Publications by authors named "Alex Keil"
Methodological considerations when analysing and interpreting real-world data.
Rheumatology (Oxford)
January 2020
In the absence of relevant data from randomized trials, nonexperimental studies are needed to estimate treatment effects on clinically meaningful outcomes. State-of-the-art study design is imperative for minimizing the potential for bias when using large healthcare databases (e.g.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: This study was carried out in response to worker concerns over their exposure to lead solder and chlorinated solvents at automotive electronics manufacturing plants in Huntsville, Alabama.
Methods: A study of 4396 United Autoworkers members ever-employed at the plants between 1972 and 1993 was conducted with mortality follow-up through 2016. Poisson regression was used to estimate mortality rate ratios (RR) according to employment characteristics, including calendar period of employment.
Article Synopsis
- Workers at automotive electronics manufacturing facilities in Huntsville, Alabama, raised alarms about higher-than-expected death rates.
- A study followed nearly 4,400 United Auto Workers (UAW) members from 1972 to 1993, analyzing mortality data up to 2016 using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).
- Findings showed a slight increase in total mortality among specific groups, as well as higher death rates from nervous system disorders and certain cancers, aligning with existing research on electronics workers exposed to hazardous materials.
Odors from sewage sludge and livestock: associations with self-reported health.
Public Health Rep
January 2015
Objectives: Class B treated sewage sludge (TSS) contains microbes and toxicants and is applied to land in areas where livestock wastes may be present. We evaluated relationships of reports of TSS and livestock odors with acute symptoms and excessive flies.
Methods: A total of 158 adults living near liquid TSS application sites, 85 living near cake TSS application sites, and 188 living in comparison areas responded to a household survey regarding odors, health, and demographics.