[Federal Register: September 16, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 179)]
[Notices]
[Page 54747-54748]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16se05-113]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[30Day-05-0494]
Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and
Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a
list of information collection requests under review by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). To request a copy of these requests, call
the CDC Reports Clearance Officer at (404) 371-5983 or send an email to
omb@cdc.gov. Send written comments to CDC Desk Officer, Office of
Management and Budget, Washington,
[[Page 54748]]
DC or by fax to (202) 395-6974. Written comments should be received
within 30 days of this notice.
Proposed Project
Exposure to Aerosolized Brevetoxins during Red Tide Events (OMB No.
0920-0494)--Revision--National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH),
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Karenia brevis (formerly Gymnodinium breve) is the marine
dinoflagellate responsible for extensive blooms (called red tides) that
form in the Gulf of Mexico. K. brevis produces potent toxins, called
brevetoxins, which have been responsible for killing millions of fish
and other marine organisms. The biochemical activity of brevetoxins is
not completely understood and there is very little information
regarding human health effects from environmental exposures, such as
inhaling brevetoxin that has been aerosolized and swept onto the coast
by offshore winds. The National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH),
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recruited people
who work along the coast of Florida and who are periodically
occupationally exposed to aerosolized red tide toxins.
We have administered a baseline respiratory health questionnaire
and conducted pre- and post-shift pulmonary function tests during a
time when there is no red tide reported near the area. When a red tide
developed, we administered a symptom survey and conducted pulmonary
function testing (PFT). We compared (1) symptom reports before and
during the red tide and (2) the changes in baseline PFT values during
the work shift (differences between pre- and post-shift PFT results)
without exposure to red tide with the changes in PFT values during the
work shift when individuals are exposed to red tide.
The exposures experienced by our study cohort have been minimal,
and we plan to conduct another study (using the same symptom
questionnaires and spirometry tests) during a more severe red tide
event.
In addition, we are now planning to quantify the levels of
cytokines in nasal exudates to assess whether they can be used to
verify exposure and to demonstrate a biological effect (i.e., allergic
response) following inhalation of aerosolized brevetoxins. We plan to
include not only the study subjects who have been involved in our
earlier studies, but also any new individuals who are hired to work at
the relevant beaches. As mentioned above, we have collected part data
on occupational exposure to red tides. However, because we are dealing
with natural phenomena and are subject literally to the tides, and
because the scientific questions are evolving as we learn more, we must
extend our data collection time for an additional three years. There
are no costs to respondents except for their time. The total estimated
total burden hours are 195.
Estimate of Annualized Burden Table
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Number of
Respondents Number of responses per Average burden
respondents respondent per response
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Pulmonary History Questionnaire................................. 5 1 20/60
Spirometry...................................................... 25 6 20/60
Nasal exudates collection/Nasal wash............................ 25 6 10/60
Symptom Questionnaire........................................... 25 6 5/60
Hearing test.................................................... 25 6 15/60
Beach Survey.................................................... 5 160 5/60
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Dated: September 9, 2005.
Joan Karr,
Acting Reports Clearance Officer, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
[FR Doc. 05-18407 Filed 9-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P