摘要：The study objective is to describe cause specific mortality of employees in a plant engaged
in production, recovery and refining of catalytic converters located in Rome. Previous epidemiological
studies conducted in similar plants are not available. A total of 828 workers (642 males
and 186 females) were followed up between 1956 and 31-12-2003. Cause specific standardized mortality
ratio (SMR) and 90% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using regional rates for comparison.
Among males hired between 1956 and 1993, followed up until 31/12/2003, mortality for all
causes (SMR 0,8; 90% CI 0,7-1,0; 85 observed) and all neoplasms (SMR 0,6; 90% CI 0,42-0,87; 20
observed) is below expected; an increase is present for liver cirrhosis (SMR 2,74; 90% CI 1,47-5,1;
7 observed) and brain cancer (SMR 5,24; 90% CI 2,3-11,90; 4 observed). The present investigation
complies with the proposed scientific standards for occupational cohort studies. The study was not
prompted by well defined a priori hypotheses but it is included in a process intended to typify a potentially
polluted site; the absence of a priori hypotheses and of previous epidemiological evidence,
prevent from a causal interpretation of the increased mortality from liver cirrhosis and brain cancer.
The implementation of cohort studies in industrial sites where industrial activities similar to the one
here examined are present, are highly recommended.
关键词：mortality, cohort study, chemical industry, Italy.
