Mortality and morbidity study of petrochemical workers in the context of the epidemiological characterization of a polluted site: the case study of Gela (Italy)

BACKGROUND: The resident population of Gela (Sicily Region, Southern Italy) has shown excess mortality and morbidity risks probably related to the emissions from the local petrochemical plant. We present the methodology and main results of the occupational cohort studies of Gela petrochemical workers. METHODS: Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) for specific causes were calculated using mortality rates of the Sicily Region as the reference. Internal analyses on mortality and morbidity (hospitalization) risks were also conducted by job and residence subcohorts. RESULTS: Observed deaths were less than expected for most causes of death. Internal analyses showed an increase in mortality from lung cancer, and an increase in the hospitalization for respiratory and genitourinary diseases among the blue collar subcohort and the Gela resident subcohort. CONCLUSION: The results of the internal analyses of mortality and morbidity suggest the need of indepth investigations into the occupational and environmental sources of exposure in the area.