Consistency of occupational exposure history from pattern and model makers

This study investigates the consistency of occupational histories reported by the same men in 1985 and again in 1988 Detroit-area pattern and model ma kers participating in a colorectal cancer screening program that was offere d at 3-year intervals completed a career length occupational exposure quest ionnaire at each screening. Analysis of the data Si-om the 243 men who part icipated in both screening programs provided the opportunity to examine the consistency with which these workers reported the extent of their exposure to 13 substances commonly found in their work environment. Workers were as ked to provide a work history, and for each different pattern or model make r job they had held, to estimate the percentage of time they were exposed t o the 13 substances, The data indicated that over the 3-year study period, pattern and model makers were highly consistent in reporting whether or not they were exposed to the 13 substances. In addition, their first estimates of the percentage of time they were exposed to each substance were within 10% of their second estimates more than 70% of the time. This concordance w as somewhat diminished after excluding those who reported no exposure. Thes e findings suggest that skilled tradesman can provide occupational exposure information that is likely to be useful for physicians in considering an o ccupational cause for a presenting health concern.