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Abstract #159992

Linda Haskell, Ema Rodrigues, MPH, Kayla Oursler, Elisa Rossetti, MPH, and Lewis Pepper, MD, MPH. Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, T2E, Boston, MA 02118, 617-638-4620, lhaskell@bu.edu

Objective: To examine changes in health status among participants in the Nevada Test Site (NTS) Medical Screening Program.

Methods: Participants involved in underground testing or who worked in a beryllium-exposed job for at least one year were eligible for a follow-up medical screening three or more years after initial screening. Each participant completed a work and medical history questionnaire and had medical screening tests including CBC, spirometry, and chest x-ray with b-reading. Participants were categorized into three groups according to when and where they worked at NTS. Group 1 consists of those who began work at NTS during the atmospheric period (°Ü1963) and worked underground (n=186), group 2 is comprised of those who worked underground after 1963 (n=371), and group 3 is those who worked after 1963 and did not work underground (n=49).

Results: 635 participants had follow-up screening. Significant changes in red blood cell indices were observed in all groups and will be reported. Groups 1 and 2 also exhibited changes in spirometry: FEV1 (group 1=-2.49%, p=.03; group 2=-4.01%, p=<.0001), and FEV1/FVC (group 1=-0.06 %, p=<.0001; group 2=-0.05%, p=<.0001). 89 of the 626 participants who had a second b-reading had a change in profusion score, 21 of whom progressed to 1/0 or greater. Linear regression modeling was used to determine the significant predictors of change in pulmonary function and b-reading and will be reported.

Conclusion: Significant changes in health status were observed among participants who performed underground work at NTS compared to those who did not work underground.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the change in health status of NTS workers who worked underground or with or around beryllium.
• Determine the value of regular screening evaluations for all workers with a high risk of chronic disease outcomes.

Related Web page: www.bu.edu/formerworker

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.