The Epping Jaundice outbreak: mortality after 38 years of follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate mortality in individuals exposed to 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA).


METHODS
The mortality of 84 individuals, accidentally poisoned with MDA during the "Epping Jaundice" outbreak of 1965, was compared with expected values based on national rates defined by age, period and sex, for the period 1965-2002. In addition, cancer registration data were analysed for the period 1971-2002.


RESULTS
The vital status of 83% of the group was established, with 37 deaths occurring before the end of follow-up. Mortality from all causes was close to expectation among females (Obs, 25; Exp, 30.3; SMR, 82), and below expectation among males (Obs, 12; Exp, 26.7; SMR, 45). There were no observed deaths from cancer of the liver or from nonmalignant liver disease.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has found no evidence to suggest that the ingestion of MDA had adversely affected mortality.
Nichols
L
L
Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. L.Nichols@bham.ac.uk
D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000506:poisoning*; D002423:Cause of Death; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007565:Jaundice / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*
D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine