Cancer Mortality in IBM Endicott Plant Workers
Author Information
Author(s): Richard W Clapp, Kate Hoffman
Primary Institution: Boston University School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Is there an increased risk of cancer mortality among workers at the IBM plant in Endicott, NY?
Conclusion
The study found significantly increased mortality from melanoma and lymphoma among male workers at the IBM Endicott plant.
Supporting Evidence
- Significantly increased mortality due to melanoma was observed with a PCMR of 367.
- Significantly increased mortality due to lymphoma was observed with a PCMR of 220.
- Modestly increased mortality due to kidney cancer and brain cancer was also noted.
- Breast cancer showed a modest increase in mortality among female workers.
Takeaway
This study looked at workers from an IBM plant and found that many of them died from certain types of cancer more than expected.
Methodology
The study used mortality and work history files to conduct proportional cancer mortality analysis comparing Endicott workers to state data.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and reliance on historical data.
Limitations
The analysis is based on a small number of deaths and does not include those not eligible for the Corporate Mortality File.
Participant Demographics
Workers from the IBM Endicott plant, with a significant percentage potentially exposed to carcinogens.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 119, 856
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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