Authors: Fornalski, K.W.¹; Dobrzynski, L.²

Source: International Journal of Low Radiation, Volume 6, Number 1, 29 May 2009 , pp. 57-78(22)

Publisher: Inderscience Publishers

Abstract:

The data on deaths from all causes and cancers among workers in the nuclear industry are considered in the light of the data published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2007 (Vrijheid et al., 2007; Thierry-Chef et al., 2007; Cardis et al., 2007). The dose-effect relationship is assumed to be linear with an arbitrary sign of the slope. A zero effect of the dose is also considered. Conventional and Bayesian analysis are used. It is shown that in spite of the large cohorts studied by the IARC (Vrijheid et al., 2007; Thierry-Chef et al., 2007; Cardis et al., 2007), the data for overall mortality reveal such a large scattering that arriving at definite conclusions is not possible. These data, however, are consistent with the earlier findings (Luckey, 2007; 2008b; Rockwell and Muckerheide, 2008) that irradiated workers exhibit lower Standardised Mortality Ratios (SMRs) than the control group. A similar situation is found in the case of cancer deaths. While no convincing support for the Healthy Worker Survivor Effect (HWSE) is found, SMRs lowered by about 25% turn out to be not easily attributable to the Healthy Worker Effect (HWE).

Keywords: ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALS; Environment and Sustainable Development; HEALTHCARE AND LEISURE JOURNALS; Healthcare and Medical Engineering; ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALS; Nuclear Science and Technology

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJLR.2009.026240

Affiliations: 1: The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies, 05-400 Otwock-Swierk, Poland. 2: The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies, 05-400 Otwock-Swierk, Poland; Faculty of Physics, University of Bialystok, Lipowa 41, 15-424 Bialystok, Poland

Publication date: 2009-05-29

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• The International Journal of Low Radiation is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the publication of research articles, review papers and technical notes in all domains related to low-dose radiation, among which are the biological and health effects in humans and the biota, in vitro and in vivo research on low radiation effects, regulatory and policy aspects, risk estimation and public perception.
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