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Jan C. Semenza, PhD, MPH, MS, School of Community Health, Portland State University, Post Office Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751, 503-725-8262, semenzaj@pdx.edu and Rajesh Sreedharan, MD, MPH, School of Community Health-SCH, Portland State University, Post Office Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751.
Trichloroethylene (TCE), a commonly used industrial solvent and widespread environmental contaminant, has been classified as a rodent carcinogen and a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A) and the human carcinogenicity of TCE is currently being debated. Beginning in the mid-1960’s, TCE was used to degrease metal parts in the assembly of the stereo View-Master, cameras and projectors at a toy factory site in Beaverton, OR and was subsequently discarded onto the ground outside the plant where it seeped into the well that pumped drinking water for the employees. By 1970, approximately 200 gallons of TCE per month were being used and discarded; it is estimated that over 13,500 employees drank water contaminated with TCE as high as 1,670 ppb (over 300-times EPA maximum allowable contaminant level) until the contamination was detected in March of 1998. This cohort experienced isolated exposure to TCE at exceptionally high oral levels, over a long time period.
A detailed electronic database of the workforce has been established with contact information (address, phone numbers, and e-mails); hire and retirement dates; and languages spoken. We have linked this database to the population-based cancer registry in Oregon and have identified over 200 cancer patients in this cohort. A detailed questionnaire has been developed with information pertaining to occupational exposures, medical history, dietary habits and other demographic variables. We are in the process of linking the workforce database with the Washington cancer registry and will conduct nested case control studies within this cohort to study the association between TCE exposure and cancer.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Epidemiology, Workforce
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.