Statistical Analysis of Blood Parameter Surveillance Data from Workers at an Organotin Production Facility

Biological surveillance data was analyzed at a plant which produced organic and inorganic tin chemicals. No chronic health problems related to occupational exposures were detected by biological testing history or physical examination. A statistical evaluation of biological values was conducted in an attempt to detect any significant changes. The blood values of all workers were well within normal limits. Workers in both the organic and inorganic tin production areas of the plant were found to have statistically significant reductions (p<.05) of their Red Blood Cell count (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Hematocrit (Hct) levels when compared with either a non-exposed or a control group. In both analyses, the changes in the blood values were too small to be of clinical concern.