0109 Health effects of exposure to arsenic: a 39 years cohort study in manfredonia, italy

Background On September 26th 1976 an accident occurred in a chemical plant located in Manfredonia (Apulia region, Italy) where Caprolactam (plastic) and Urea (fertilisers) were produced. More than 12 tons of arsenic compounds, used in the production of Urea, were released in the atmosphere, contaminating the plant and surrounding areas. Our study investigates late effects of arsenic exposure among workers present on the day of the accident and during the site clearance. Methods We performed a historical cohort study including 1467 workers (39 females). Follow-up was performed by contacting municipalities of residence in Italy. Death certificates were collected. End of follow-up was either d…