Mortality study of chemical workers exposed to dioxins: follow-up 23 years after chemical plant closure.

Objectives: To examine the long-term effects of dioxin-exposure, particularly with regard to cancer mortality, in a follow-up 23 years after closure of the chemical plant (Hamburg, Germany).

Methods: The study comprised all persons (1191 men/398 women) employed in the plant on a full-time basis for a minimum of 3 months between 1952 and 1984 when the plant was closed down. Mortality follow-up was performed for the period from 1952 up to the reference date of 31 December 2007.