DEATH rates among workers involved in the production of computer components are significantly higher than among the general population, according to a study published by Environmental Health, an online scientific journal.

The study, carried out by Richard Clapp, a professor of environmental health at Boston University’s School of Public Health, examined data on the cause of death of 31,941 people who had worked for IBM, the computing giant, and who had died between 1969 and 2001.

Of the 27,272 men who died, there were 7,697 deaths from cancer — significantly higher than the 7,206 expected according to national averages. Of 4,669 women, 1,667 had died of cancer, higher than the 1,454 expected according to averages.

Professor Clapp pointed out that the study was the largest of its kind. Many of the workers had been exposed to unusual levels of radiation as well as solvents and chemicals.

The report identified higher rates of specific cancers. There were also higher deaths from multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. However, it was not possible to identify which workers had been exposed to which chemicals, nor did the report include details of workers who smoked or had lived unhealthy lifestyles.

IBM has long sought to suppress publication of the figures, which Professor Clapp gained access to as an expert witness in litigation filed against IBM. IBM has dismissed the results, claiming the data is inconclusive and the methodology flawed. It says other studies have shown that its workers have lower mortality and cancer rates than the wider population.

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