Estimating occupational radiation doses when individual dosimetry information is not available: A job exposure matrix

Background A job exposure matrix (JEM) was developed for a population based case control study to assess the possible association between occupational radiation and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Methods Using published radiation monitoring data, we developed a radiation JEM composed of estimated annual dose distributions, categorized by time p eriod for a broad range of occupational and industrial groups. Results When information is available to correctly assess an individual's e xposure status, the annual close distributions in the JEM can be used in co njunction with job histories to estimate the distribution of possible cumul ative doses for individuals. The median of the cumulative dose distribution can then be used in standard epidemiologic analysis. In addition, methods cart be applied that incorporate the uncertainty about each individual's tr ue dose into risk estimates and associated confidence intervals. Conclusions The JEM can be useful in estimating occupational radiation expo sures in other studies, particularly population based case central studies which include detailed occupational histories. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:348-359, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.dagger