MORTALITY AMONG WORKERS AT A URANIUM PROCESSING FACILITY, THE LINDE AIR PRODUCTS COMPANY CERAMICS PLANT, 1943-1949

With the use of the national comparison group, statistically significantly increased standardized mortality ratio (SMR) values were observed for all causes (SMR 118), laryngeal cancer (SMR 447), all circulatory diseases (SMR 118), arteriosclerotic heart disease (SMR 119), all respiratory diseases (SMR 152), and pneumonia (SMR 217). Site-specific outcomes of special interest with a statistically increased number of deaths above expected were laryngeal cancer (observed 5) and pneumonia (observed 17). No association was found with length of employment or work in the most hazardous areas of the plant. The comparison with regional rates gave similar results.