Document 82q878RX8mwMXwoBQEXkgVzd5

NEWSLETTER June 2, 1988 DPMC HEALTH STUDY To better understand the general health imol ications of working in a large refinery and chemical producing facility, Snell^commissioned a study to examine the causes of death of Deer Park employees and ex-employees. The study was begun in 1983 and was recently completed. Deer Park was selected for this study because it has many processes and opera tions common to other Shell facilities, and a large employee data base. 6. Karsh, Ph.D., and P. Enterline, Ph.D., epidemiologists from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, conducted the study. The study included hourly operations, maintenance, and staff employees who were potentially exposed to petrochemicals. The study also included an update on the investigation initiated in the mid-1970s on the mortality experience of employees who worked in the Isopropyl Alcohol Manufacturing (I PA) areas of the chemical plant. Employees who worked at the Complex for at least three months between 1948 and 1972 were included; mortality experience was followed throuah 1983. Of the 6831 employees in the study croup, 1180 deaths were identified. The study showed the following: * The overall mortality rate for all causes of death was 25% lower than that of the U.S. population. * Deaths from cancer were lc% lower than those of the U.S. population. * Leukemia rates for the study group as a whole were 14% lower than those of the U.S. population. * The update to the IPA study onceagain revealed that the death rate from upper respiratory cancer (nasal, sinus, and throat) was no niche- than in the general U.S. popu lation. We are pleased that the results of this study show that Deer Park employees generally have good health. The investigators did report a few deaths due to specific causes that need to be studied further. For instance, certain diseases, including malignant tumors involving the lymphatic and blood forming tissues, were observed to be associated with either how long or the time period in which a person was employed. These findings are of interest and will be followed up. At this time, it is not possible to determine whether these findings are due to chance, life-style factors such as smoking, or to specific exposures. We will keep you informed as to the results of the follow-up and any new information which will become available. Employees who want more information about the study can contact the medical department. Copies of the study are available upon request. cc: All Managers All Bulletin Boards (Remove 6/10/88) N/Adm. Satellite File LAM 017264 DPMC-10997 D PM C 10996.1