Mortality study in two Italian oil refineries : extension of the follow-up up to 2006

The mortality in two Italian refineries (refinery A and B) up to 1991 and 1999, respectively, was studied. The results of the extension of the follow-up as of December 2006 were presented. A twofold increased mortality from brain cancer and leukaemia was observed in refinery A; the leukaemia excess was particularly elevated among subjects employed before 1969. In refinery B, increased risks for lung cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and brain cancer were detected. All deaths from brain cancer and NHL happened after 20 yr of latency. The elevated mortality from lymphoemopoietic cancers (leukaemia and lymphoma) was in agreement with other studies in refinery workers. The observed excess was limited to workers employed before 1969.