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Environmental Health
Publications and Materials
Below are
selected publications and materials related to environmental health. Please
note the year of publication may be later than the year(s) the data
represent.
LINKS ON THIS PAGE
2007 Publications and Materials
2006 Publications and Materials
2005 Publications and Materials
2004 Publications and Materials
2003 Publications and Materials
2002 Publications and Materials
2001 Publications and Materials
Related
Links
CDC’s Perchlorate Biomonitoring Activities and Study Results
(8/31/07)
Before a House SubCommittee, Dr. Jim Pirkle discussed results of two
studies conducted by CDC researchers investigating exposure to
perchlorate in the U.S. population and the relationship between exposure
to perchlorate and thyroid hormone levels. The researchers found that,
among women who had urinary iodine levels that were less than 100
micrograms per liter, perchlorate levels were associated with both
thyroxine and TSH levels. The differences seen in study findings between
men and women merit further research.
ATSDR Completes
Analyses Drinking Water System at Camp Lejeune (7/27/07)
The analyses of the Tarawa Terrace drinking water system is part of ATSDR’s
epidemiological study of volatile organic compounds at Camp Lejeune. The
study will focus on babies born during the period 1968-1985 up to the time
that they were 1 year-old.
Lead Exposure among
Females of Childbearing Age- United States, 2004
(6/12/07)
Results indicate that rates of elevated blood lead levels (BLL) ranged from
0.06 per 100,000 females of childbearing age at BLLs of over 40 µg/dL to
10.9 per 100,000 females at BLLs of over 5 µg/dL. Primary and secondary
prevention of lead exposure among females of childbearing age is needed to
avert neurobehavioral and cognitive deficits in their offspring.
Mercury Exposure and Your Health
(11/29/06)http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mercury
Find out how mercury can affect your health, routes of mercury exposure, and
how to reduce risk to exposure.
Camp LeJeune Community Assistance Panel (6/19/06)
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/eventsarchive.html
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has created a
community assistance panel (CAP) for the Camp Lejeune site. The purpose of
the CAP is to voice the concerns of the affected community of marines and
their families and to provide input for future health studies. In
1982, the Marine Corps discovered volatile organic compounds in several
drinking water wells that fed into two of the eight water systems on-base.
Leaking underground storage tanks, spills and drum disposal caused
contamination. Contamination was also caused by solvent-disposal practices
at ABC One-Hour Cleaners. ATSDR has been assessing the effects of exposure
to drinking water containing VOCs since 1993, including a health survey of
12,600 children born to mothers who were pregnant between the years
1968-1985 at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Death of a Child after Ingestion of a Metallic Charm- Minnesota, 2006
(3/30/06)
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm55d323a1.htm
PDF
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm55d323.pdf
In February, a boy aged 4 years died from lead poisoning after ingestion of
a heart-shaped metallic charm. The charm had been attached to a metal
bracelet provided as a free gift with the purchase of shoes manufactured by
Reebok International Ltd. On March 23, a voluntary recall of 300,000
heart-shaped charm bracelets was announced. Health-care providers should
consider lead poisoning in young children with increased intracranial
pressure, unexplained and prolonged gastric symptoms, or a history of
mouthing or ingesting nonfood items, and they should warn caregivers against
allowing children to mouth any metal objects.
Report Finds Health Risks for Children, Adolescents at Picayune Wood
Treating Site- Mississippi (1/30/06)
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/NEWS/picayunems012506.html
Levels of dioxins found at the Picayune Wood Treating Site in Picayune,
Miss., might pose a health concern for children and adolescents living near
the site says an ATSDR report. The consultation concludes that children and
adolescents living near the site might be at an increased risk for
developmental and reproductive effects from exposure to dioxins in surface
soils and sediments on and around the site or in residential yards and
nearby creek beds. People may have been exposed to these chemicals via
ingestion, direct skin contact or dust inhalation.
2005 Publications and Materials
National Report on Human
Exposure to Environmental Chemicals (7/30/05)
http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/
The National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals provides an
ongoing assessment of the U.S. population's exposure to environmental
chemicals using biomonitoring. Biomonitoring is the assessment of human
exposure to chemicals by measuring the chemicals or their metabolites in
human specimens such as blood or urine. Key Highlight/Finding: Data from the
Third Report for the period 1999-2002 show that all women of childbearing
age had mercury levels below 58 µg per liter (µg/L), a concentration
associated with neurodevelopmental effects in the fetus. However, mercury
levels in these women continue to merit close monitoring because 5.7% of
women of childbearing age had levels within a factor of 10 of those
associated with neurodevelopmental effects.
Workers at the
Former Zonolite and W.R. Grace & Co. Vermiculite Exfoliation Plant in
Tampa, Florida Were Exposed to Hazardous Asbestos Levels (4/30/05)
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/NEWS/tampafl041305.html
Workers at the former Zonolite and W.R. Grace & Co. vermiculite exfoliation
plant in Tampa, Fla., from the 1950s to 1991 were exposed to hazardous
levels of asbestos, according to a public health consultation from the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Those who lived
with former Zonolite and W.R. Grace workers while Libby vermiculite was
being processed at the plant also were potentially exposed to asbestos.
Workers may have carried home asbestos fibers on their hair and clothing.
The degree to which household members may have been exposed cannot be
determined. ATSDR recommends that former workers and household members who
lived with them learn more about asbestos and see a doctor with experience
in asbestos-related lung disease.
2004 Publications and Materials
Past
Exposure to VOC-Contaminated Drinking Water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina (12/30/04)
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/fs102804.html
This fact sheet answers some questions people have about the 1997 Public
Health Assessment at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. In 1982, the
Marine Corps discovered volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in several
drinking water wells that fed into two of the eight water systems on-base.
Leaking underground storage tanks, spills and drum disposal caused
contamination. Contamination was also caused by solvent-disposal practices
at ABC One-Hour Cleaners. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry has been assessing the effects of exposure (childhood cancers and
birth defects) to drinking water containing VOCs since 1993.
Lead
Poisoning Associated with Ayurvedic Medications - Five States, 2000-2003
(7/30/04)
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5326a3.htm
PDF (p. 582)
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5326.pdf
During 2000-2003, a total of 12 cases of lead poisoning among adults in
five states associated with ayurvedic medications or remedies were reported
to CDC. This report summarizes these 12 cases, in which seven cases
occurred in women. The women were taking the medications for arthritis
(two), menstrual health (one), fertility (one), and diabetes (three).
ATSDR Releases
Public Health Assessment Concerning Lead for the Omaha Lead Site, Omaha,
Nebraska: Exposure to Lead by Children 6 and Younger Puts Them at Risk for
Health Effects (6/30/04)
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/NEWS/omahane060704.html
The ongoing exposure to lead of children under 6 years old living in or
near the Omaha Lead initial site investigation area puts them at risk of
lead-related health effects. From July 2000 through August 2002, nearly 300
children living in or near the Omaha Lead site were reported with blood
lead levels of 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or greater. The majority
of these children had blood lead levels between 10 µg/dL and 40 µg/dL and
may be at risk for decreases in IQ, slightly impaired hearing and growth,
and problems metabolizing vitamin D.
Impact of
Heat Waves on Mortality- Rome, Italy, June-August 2003 (5/30/04)
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5317a5.htm
PDF (p. 369)
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5317.pdf
This report summarizes the results of an analysis of temperature and daily
mortality data, which indicated that an estimated 1,094 excess deaths
occurred during three major heat wave periods in 2003, an increase of 23%
compared with the average annual number of deaths during 1995-2002. The
greatest increase in mortality occurred among females (estimated daily
excess: 35%), reflecting the higher proportion of women aged >85
years (age distribution: women, 72%; men, 28%).
2003 Publications and Materials
Camp Lejeune Progress
Report
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/
A health survey of 12,600 children born to mothers who were pregnant
between the years 1968-1985 at U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Base Camp Lejeune
found 103 specific childhood cancers and birth defects, suggesting the need
to further study whether contaminated drinking water on base during that
time was associated with the illnesses. The contaminated wells were closed
in 1985 and the water has been safe to drink since then.
DES & Breast Cancer
http://www.cdc.gov/DES/consumers/download/desbreastcancertele.pdf
The first teleconference [held on January 29, 2003] transcript on
diethylstilbestrol highlights current breast cancer research information
for DES daughters and women prescribed DES while pregnant.
Respirator Fact
Sheet
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/npptlrespfact.html
Some employers and consumers are considering purchasing escape hoods or
other respirators to protect themselves against potential terrorist
threats, including biological and chemical substances. This guidance will
provide information on what respirators are, how they work, and what is
needed for a respirator to provide protection.
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Update (Press Release)
http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/r030304.htm
DES Web Site
http://www.cdc.gov/DES/
CDC's Des Update Web site includes information and resources with
downloadable versions of all DES Update materials and an interactive
Self-Assessment Guide. The site includes sections for consumers, health
care professionals, and partners. In the United States, an estimated five
to 10 million people were exposed to DES, between 1938 and 1971. DES is a
synthetic estrogen that was prescribed to prevent miscarriages or premature
delivery. However, in 1971, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a
"Drug Bulletin" advising physicians to stop prescribing DES to pregnant
women. Subsequent research links DES exposure to health risks among the
women who were prescribed DES while pregnant and the children born to these
women. Women who were prescribed DES while pregnant are at a modestly
increased risk for breast cancer. Women exposed to DES in the womb-DES
Daughters-experience lifelong, increased risks that include a rare vaginal
and cervical cancer, reproductive complications, and infertility. Men
exposed to DES-DES Sons-face an increased risk for noncancerous epididymal
cysts (growths on the testicles).
Increase in
Coccidioidomycosis - Arizona, 1998-2001
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5206a4.htm
PDF (p. 109)
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5206.pdf
Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic infection caused by inhalation of airborne
spores from Coccidioides immitis, a fungus found in soil in the
southwestern United States and in parts of Mexico and Central and South
America. Persons at higher risk for disseminated disease include blacks,
Filipinos, pregnant women in their third trimester, and immunocompromised
persons. During 2001, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported
coccidioidomycosis incidence of 43 cases per 100,000 population,
representing an increase of 186% since 1995. This report summarizes the
findings of an investigation, which indicates that the recent Arizona
coccidioidomycosis epidemic is attributed to seasonal peaks in incidence
that probably are related to climate. Health-care providers in Arizona
should be aware that peak periods of coccidioidomycosis incidence occur
during the winter and should consider testing patients with influenza-like
illness. Clinical manifestations occur in 40% of infected persons and range
from an influenza-like illness to severe pneumonia and, rarely,
extrapulmonary disseminated disease.
2002 Publications and Materials
Registry
to Assess Health Effects from WTC Collapse
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/NEWS/wtcregistry_07082002.html
ATSDR will assist the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
in creating a registry of people who may have been exposed to the World
Trade Center site, either from working, living, or cleaning up in the area
affected by the disaster. The registry will follow the health of the
100,000-200,000 people exposed to substances emanating from the collapse
and cleanup of the World Trade Center to help determine whether their
exposure has any relationship to short- or long-term health problems they
may experience. The registry is expected to launch in late fall 2002.
Vessel Sanitation Program
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/
If you are planning a cruise, find out how the ship you plan to vacation on
scored on it's sanitation inspection. The inspection focuses on the ship's
water supply, spas and pools, food, employee hygiene, ship condition, and
training programs. Every vessel that has a foreign itinerary, carries 13 or
more passengers, and calls on a U.S. Port is subject to unannounced
twice-yearly inspections and, when necessary, to reinspection by Vessel
Sanitation Program (VSP) staff. Because of several major disease outbreaks
on cruise vessels, the CDC established the VSP in the early 1970s as a
cooperative activity with the cruise ship industry.
2001 Publications and Materials
Environmental
Public Health at CDC/ATSDR
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/nceh/shared-vision.html
PDF
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/nceh/sharedvision.pdf
The Report of the CDC/ATSDR Working Group on a Shared Vision for
Environmental Public Health at CDC/ATSDR, is designed as a first step to
build an enhanced national and international resource for jointly
addressing environmental public health threats and promoting health by
improving the environment in which we live.
The Revised PCB
Toxicological Profile
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp17.html
ATSDR prepares toxicological profiles on the hazardous substances most
commonly found at National Priorities List sites and on those substances
that pose the most significant potential threat to human health. ATSDR
reviews the profiles every 3 years to determine if revisions and updates
are warranted. The Toxicological Profile for Polychlorinated Biphenyls
(PCB) was updated extensively in 2000. Following is a summary of the new
Endocrine Disruption Section: New research and health discussions have
focused on the potential harmful effects of endocrine disruptors, which are
able to mimic, block, and modify the normal function of the endocrine
system. Some scientists believe that these chemicals have potential adverse
health effects in humans and animals. The endocrine disruption section
outlines the effects of PCBs on breast cancer, estrogenic and
antiestrogenic activity, the reproductive system, and thyroid glands.
ATSDR's Toxicological Profile for Polychlorinated Biphenyls is now
available. If you qualify for a free copy*, contact ATSDR, Division of
Toxicology, 1600 Clifton Road, NE (MS E29), Atlanta, GA 30333 (telephone:
1-888-42-ATSDR or 1-888-422-8737; fax: 404-498-0057; email: atsdric@cdc.gov).
If you do not qualify for a free copy, you can purchase one from the
National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Contact NTIS at 5285 Port
Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161 (telephone: 1-800-553-6847 or
703-605-6000; NTIS Web site: www.ntis.gov).
*Congress requires ATSDR to (1) provide toxicological profiles to state
health and environmental agencies and (2) make them available to other
interested parties.
The Nationwide
Environmental Health Nursing Initiative, ATSDR Winter 2001 HSPH Newsletter
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HEC/HSPH/v11n1indx.html
Seven years ago, ATSDR took the first step in developing an Environmental
Health Nursing Initiative. Through this initiative, ATSDR began to act on
its knowledge of the vital and broad role nursing professionals play in
every area of the health arena to help protect the public's health.
Partners in the Environmental Health Nursing Initiative are now joining
together to take the initiative nationwide. The project is designed to
increase the competencies of nurses by ensuring that nursing school course
curricula include environmental health topics and that educational
opportunities are available to practicing nurse professionals. Today, the
initiative is sustainable and is a motivating force behind public health
action nationwide.
National Report on Human
Exposure to Environmental Chemicals
http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/
This report includes data about levels of 27 environmental chemicals in
blood and urine samples among participants in the 1999 National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey. Levels of blood lead continue to decline
among children aged 1-5 years. The population's exposure to environmental
tobacco smoke has declined by 75% since 1991. However, more than half of
American youth are still exposed to ETS. Assessment of women's and
children's exposure to mercury has been improved through availability of
data in the report on levels of mercury in blood samples from women of
childbearing age and children aged 1-5 years.
Blood &
Hair Mercury Levels in Young Children & Women of Childbearing Age-United
States, 1999
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5008a2.htm
PDF
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5008.pdf
This report presents preliminary estimates of blood and hair Mercury (Hg)
levels from the 1999 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and
compares them with a recent toxicologic review by the National Research
Council. The findings suggest that Hg levels in young children and women of
childbearing age generally are below those considered hazardous. These
preliminary estimates show that approximately 10% of women have Hg levels
within one tenth of potentially hazardous levels indicating a narrow margin
of safety for some women and supporting efforts to reduce methylmercury
exposure. Mercury (Hg), a heavy metal, is widespread and persistent in the
environment. Exposure to hazardous Hg levels can cause permanent neurologic
and kidney impairment.
Environmental Health: Women’s Health Topics
A-Z
http://www.cdc.gov/women/az/environ.htm
View women’s health resources related to environmental health.
Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
The mission of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR),
as an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is to
serve the public by using the best science, taking responsive public health
actions, and providing trusted health information to prevent harmful
exposures and disease related to toxic substances. Learn more.
Emergency Preparedness and
Response: Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/
Learn more about how to prepare and protect yourself when natural disasters
and severe weather strike.
Emergency Response
Resources and the Workplace
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/
Learn more about emergency response in the workplace.
Environmental Health
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh
Learn more about issues related to environmental health.
(FOR KIDS)
Environmental Health for Kids
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/kids/99kidsday/
Learn how to stay healthy wherever you live, work, and play.
Environmental Health:
Programs in Brief
http://www.cdc.gov/programs/environ.htm
Learn more about environmental health, CDC/ATSDR’s activities and
accomplishments, and steps for moving forward.
Health Topics:
Environmental Health
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/topics.htm
Search for information on a variety of topics related to environmental
health.
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last reviewed
August 31,
2007
URL: http://www.cdc.gov/women/pubs/environ.htm
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