Mortality Study of Computer Manufacturing Workers
Author Information
Author(s): Richard W Clapp
Primary Institution: Boston University School of Public Health
Hypothesis
This study sought to elucidate patterns of mortality in workers who were engaged in manufacturing computers and related electronic components.
Conclusion
Mortality was elevated due to specific cancers among workers likely exposed to solvents and other chemicals in manufacturing operations.
Supporting Evidence
- PMRs for all cancers combined were elevated in males (PMR = 107) and females (PMR = 115).
- Specific cancers such as kidney cancer and brain cancer showed significantly elevated mortality ratios.
- The study analyzed mortality data from 31,941 decedents who worked for at least five years.
Takeaway
The study found that workers who made computers had higher death rates from certain cancers, possibly due to chemical exposure.
Methodology
A proportional mortality and proportional cancer mortality analysis of deaths in eligible workers between 1969 and 2001 was carried out.
Potential Biases
The data were obtained under litigation constraints, which may limit the reliability of the findings.
Limitations
The study lacked individual exposure information and could not resolve problems in the data due to the context of litigation.
Participant Demographics
The study included 27,272 males and 4,669 females who worked for at least five years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 105–109 for males; 95% CI = 110–119 for females
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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