Exposure Reconstruction for the Epidemiologic Study

June 2010

Exposure Reconstruction

• Defines common exposure subgroups• Quantifies exposures for subgroups• If there is an excess, then seeks

association between exposures and effects

• If there is no excess effect, exposure reconstruction however refined will not associate an agent with an effect or explain an effect

UIC 2010

Exposure Reconstruction

• Performed on:– Parts manufactured– Processes used to manufacture parts– Individual agents

• Part and process analyzed to ensure any unsuspected agent that may be associated with a possible effect would not be missed

UIC 2010

Individually Examined Contaminants

• Cohort– Evaluate mortality and

work exposures• Chromium • Cobalt • Degreasing solvents• Ionizing radiation• Lead-cadmium• Magnetic fields• Metalworking fluids (oil

& water based)• Nickel

• Case-control– Evaluate CNS incidence

and more detailed work exposures

• All of the cohort exposures as well as:

• PCB’s• Metalworking fluid

combustion products specific to North Haven

UIC 2010

Exposure Reconstruction Protocol

• Leaves no stone unturned– Considers all suspected agents– Considers all employment categories as

defined by job dictionary – Considers all significant subgroups as defined

by parts– Considers all different aspects of work as

defined by manufacturing processes involved

UIC 2010

UIC 2010

Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to thank the Communications Facilitation Workgroup, P&W employees, union, and management personnel, and the CT Department of Public Health for their continued support and contributions to the study.