UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY/ BRITISH NUCLEAR FUELS PLC HEALTH STUDY

In 1967 demographic and medical data were collected on approximately 2700 males aged 40-55 who were employed by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Establishments at Harwell, Dounreay, Windscale (now British Nuclear Fuels pic (BNFL), Sellafield) and Springfields (now also BNFL), with the intention of observing the cohort in terms of mortality, with particular interest in ischaemic heart disease.

At the time of their annual medical examination, the men were requested to complete a questionnaire with regard to their medical and family history, psychological traits and lifestyle habits. In particular, detailed information on smoking habit was collected. In addition to this, the subjects were given a chest Xray, 12-lead electrocardiography and a blood sample was taken to determine lipids and other constituents. A full blood count was also carried out.