Updated Mortality Analysis of Radiation Workers at Rocketdyne (Atomics International), 1948–2008

• DOI: 10.1667/rr2487.1
• Publication Date: 2011-03-07T14:42:57Z
• Authors: John D. Boice; Sarah S. Cohen; Michael T. Mumma; Elizabeth Dupree ...; Keith F. Eckerman; Richard W. Leggett; Bruce B. Boecker; A. Bertrand Brill; Brian E. Henderson
• Keywords: Internal radiation; Internal dose

Updated analyses of mortality data are presented on 46,970 workers employed 1948–1999 at Rocketdyne (Atomics International). Overall, 5,801 were involved in radiation activities, including 2,232 who monitored for intakes radionuclides, and 41,169 engaged rocket testing or other non-radiation activities. The worker population is unique that lifetime occupational doses from all places employment sought, updated incorporated into the analyses. Further, 14 different radionuclides calculated 16 organs tissues using biokinetic models International Commission Radiation Protection (ICRP). Because only negligible exposures received by 247 activities after 1999, mean dose external remained essentially same 13.5 mSv (maximum 1 Sv) as reported previously, did lung internal combined 19.0 3.6 Sv). An additional 9 years follow-up, December 31,1999 through 2008, increased person-years observation 21.7% to 196,674 (mean 33.9 years) number cancer deaths 50% 684. Analyses included comparisons with general computation standardized ratios (SMRs) proportional hazards relative risks (RRs). A low SMR causes death (SMR 0.82; 95% CI 0.78–0.85) continued indicate healthier than less likely die. SMRs cancers taken together 0.88; 0.81–0.95), 0.87; 0.76–1.00) leukemia chronic lymphocytic (CLL) 1.04; 0.67–1.53) not significantly elevated. Cox regression revealed no significant dose–response trends any cancer. For excluding leukemia, RR 100 was estimated 0.98 (95% 0.82–1.17), CLL it 1.06 0.50–2.23). Uranium primary radionuclide contributing exposures, but increases kidney disease seen. extended follow-up reinforces findings previous study failing observe a detectable increase associated radiation, strong conclusions still cannot be drawn because small numbers relatively career doses. Larger studies early United States similar methodologies warranted refine clarify protracted exposures.