| Abstract |
The testimony concerned possible hazardous working conditions and an apparently high number of cancer cases among workers at the Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. There were about 800 employees working in Building 100 at the time of the survey; most were engaged in the repair and overhaul of optical, electronic and electromechanical systems. A large number of solvents were used throughout this building along with other chemicals associated with paint stripping and spraying, soldering, and silk screening. The study indicated there had been occupational safety and health problems at this site in the past including the mishandling of solvents and lack of employee participation in safety and health issues. Although the number of cancer cases reported in former and current employees was lower than would be expected, there appeared to be a high proportion of cases of cancer of the blood and blood forming organs, and malignant myelomas. The Air Force was encouraged to work at establishing a good occupational health program at the base to protect current employees and maintain adequate records for future studies. Other recommendations included the analysis of cancer cases, the collection of industrial hygiene data to determine compliance with standards and characterize exposure, the identification of trade name chemical constituents, the improvement of the current medical monitoring program, conducting prospective or cross sectional medical studies, investigation of employee grievances, and improvement of inspections at the base. |
