Mortality of 196,826 Men and Women Working in U.S.-Based Petrochemical and Refinery Operations: Update 1979-2010.

OBJECTIVE To describe mortality trends of men and women working in various petrochemical and refinery operations of a U.S.-based company. METHODS The cohort consists of full-time employees with at least one day of service during 1979 through 2010. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for 111 possible causes of death studied. RESULTS SMRs for malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis were highest for the 1940's decade of hire. Increased SMRs were observed for malignant melanoma and motor neuron disease with no obvious work patterns. Decreasing mortality patterns were observed for aplastic anemia and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. CONCLUSIONS Mortality surveillance of this large established cohort aids in assessing the chronic health status of the workforce. Identifying methods for incorporating job-exposure matrices and non-occupational risk factors could further enhance interpretations for some findings such as motor neuron disease.