Mortality among Rocketdyne workers who tested rocket engines, 1948-1999.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate potential health risks associated with testing rocket engines.


METHODS
A retrospective cohort mortality study was conducted of 8372 Rocketdyne workers employed 1948 to 1999 at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL). Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for all workers, including those employed at specific test areas where particular fuels, solvents, and chemicals were used. Dose-response trends were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models.


RESULTS
SMRs for all cancers were close to population expectations among SSFL workers overall (SMR = 0.89; CI = 0.82-0.96) and test stand mechanics in particular (n = 1651; SMR = 1.00; CI = 0.86-1.16), including those likely exposed to hydrazines (n = 315; SMR = 1.09; CI = 0.75-1.52) or trichloroethylene (TCE) (n = 1111; SMR = 1.00; CI = 0.83-1.19). Nonsignificant associations were seen between kidney cancer and TCE, lung cancer and hydrazines, and stomach cancer and years worked as a test stand mechanic. No trends over exposure categories were statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Work at the SSFL rocket engine test facility or as a test stand mechanic was not associated with a significant increase in cancer mortality overall or for any specific cancer.
Boice
John D
JD
International Epidemiology Institute, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA. john.boice@vanderbilt.edu
Marano
Donald E
DE
Cohen
Sarah S
SS
Mumma
Michael T
MT
Blot
William J
WJ
Brill
A Bertrand
AB
Fryzek
Jon P
JP
Henderson
Brian E
BE
McLaughlin
Joseph K
JK
D000328:Adult; D001359:Aviation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004738:Engineering / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007221:Industry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014241:Trichloroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects*
D006834:Hydrazines; D012997:Solvents; D014241:Trichloroethylene