| This analytic data file set consists of one file generated for a 1983 dissertation that involved a cohort morbidity study of non-malignant respiratory disease among 4,101 white males employed during 1952 to 1972 at the Fernald Facility. |
| This study investigated the relationship between exposure to uranium and the development of non-malignant respiratory disease. Diagnosis was based on physician diagnoses as recorded on medical insurance claims. An examination of these data, along with exposure associated with job title, suggested that exposure to uranium dust was the principal exposure at Fernald that contributed to the development of non-malignant respiratory disease. No statistically significant association was demonstrated for non- radioactive chemical exposures. |
| The single analytic file, FRW83A01_d1, in this data file set contains 13,196 records, with one or more records for each person. Data in the file include date of birth, dates of employment, job title, job code, pay code, vital status, cumulative exposure for internal and external radiation, and smoking history data (on a 17.4% sample). Chemical exposure indicator variables for trichloroethylene exposure (TCE), tributyl phosphate (TBP), cutting fluid, kerosene, lime, ammonia, carbon, nitric acid, and sodium hydroxide are also available. The study cohort was defined as 4,101 white males who were first hired at Fernald between January 1, 1952, and December 31, 1972, and who had at least 3 months of continued employment. Internal and external exposures were obtained through urine bioassay, film badges, and air sampling data. Smoking data were potentially available for workers employed on or after January 1, 1968. |
| The chemicals used in the processes at the facility, along with job title and plant area, were analyzed by plant experts to determine exposure risk classes. Four exposure risk classes ranging from none to heavy were developed. A similar scale that ranged from no exposure above background to regular exposure at low levels was developed for radiation exposures. |