Mortality among Rocketdyne workers who tested rocket engines, 1948-1999

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate potential health risks associated with testing rocket engines. METHODS: A retrospective cohort mortality study was conducted of 8372 Rocketdyne workers employed 1948 to 1999 at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL). Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for all workers, including those employed at specific test areas where particular fuels, solvents, and chemicals were used. Dose-response trends were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: SMRs for all cancers were close to population expectations among SSFL workers overall (SMR = 0.89; CI = 0.82-0.96) and test stand mechanics in particular (n = 1651; SMR = 1.00; CI = 0.86-1.16), including those likely exposed to hydrazines (n = 315; SMR = 1.09; CI = 0.75-1.52) or trichloroethylene (TCE) (n = 1111; SMR = 1.00; CI = 0.83-1.19). Nonsignificant associations were seen between kidney cancer and TCE, lung cancer and hydrazines, and stomach cancer and years worked as a test stand mechanic. No trends over exposure categories were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Work at the SSFL rocket engine test facility or as a test stand mechanic was not associated with a significant increase in cancer mortality overall or for any specific cancer.