title: Assessing lung cancer risk in railroad workers using a first hitting time regression model.
abstract: This article examines the application of a first hitting time (FHT) model, using an operational time scale, to assess mortality risk differentials of the work environment. A major case application is presented that applies the model to three job categories of railroad workers. The data set involves a study of more than 50 000 workers with mortality assessed from 1959 to 1996. Lung cancer mortality was assessed because of a suspected link to diesel exhaust exposure. Based on a model that stipulates that death occurs when the disease state of a subject first hits a threshold value, the FHT model provides insights into factors influencing disease progression. In this application, in particular, the findings suggest that a job category in 1959 alters the risk of death from lung cancer.
authors.forename: Mei-Ling Ting
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Whitmore
authors.forename: Francine
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Laden
authors.forename: Jaime E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Garshick