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2002 Progress Report: Perinatal PCB Exposure and Neuropsychological/Auditory Function
EPA Grant Number: R829390C002Subproject: this is subproject number 002 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R829390
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: CECEHDPR - University of Illinois FRIENDS Children’s Environmental Health Center
Center Director: Schantz, Susan L.
Title: Perinatal PCB Exposure and Neuropsychological/Auditory Function
Investigators: Sweeney, Anne , Gardiner, Joseph , Peck, Jennifer , Persky, Vicky , Schantz, Susan L. , Symanski, Elaine
Current Investigators: Sweeney, Anne , Peck, Jennifer , Persky, Vicky , Schantz, Susan L.
Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana , Michigan State University , Texas A & M University , University of Texas at Houston
Current Institution: Texas A & M University , University of Illinois at Urbana
EPA Project Officer: Saint, Chris
Project Period: October 17, 2001 through October 16, 2002
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 17, 2001 through October 16, 2002
RFA: Centers for Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research (2001)
Research Category: Children's Health , Health Effects
Description:
Objective:This study will examine the patterns of PCB and methylmercury (MeHg) exposures (occurring through consumption of contaminated sport-caught fish) during gestation and their effects on neuropsychological and auditory function among the children born to a cohort of Hmong and Laotian women.
Progress Summary:At this time we have identified and enrolled 167 couples, 142 Hmong and 25 Lao from the Green Bay area. We are continuing to pursue efforts in the Green Bay area and expanding our recruitment area by including residents from the city of Appleton in our pool of eligible participants.
Data have been collected from all participants regarding consumption of fish from local waters, detailed reproductive histories, exposure histories, and demographic and general medical history information. Collection of baseline blood samples to measure PCBs and MeHg among the couples of reproductive age, as well as thyroid hormone levels in the women, will begin shortly.
The original data collection survey and informed consent form have been revised to eliminate questions that were determined to be unreliable within this population and to make these instruments more culturally sensitive. We have also begun efforts with regard to the prospective pregnancy component of this study.
Future Activities:The major objectives of this component of the project are:
- 1. To track menstrual cycle characteristics among Hmong and Laotian women in
order to determine potential perturbations due to exposure to endocrine active
agents
2. To identify early pregnancy and early pregnancy losses in these populations
3. To quantitate fish consumption among these women during pregnancy
These cultures are strongly rooted in oral rather than written tradition. Furthermore, within the cultures acknowledging pregnancy is not acceptable until five or six months from conception. Given the unique cultural characteristics of the study population, we are proposing two instruments that have been designed to assess the study populations in a culturally sensitive way. Data collection instruments have been designed around beads, which are a component of their traditional clothing and considered to be a valuable item.
The following surveillance systems will be evaluated in a focus group setting that will include Hmong/Laotian women from the community as well as members of the FRIENDS Center's Scientific Advisory Board.
Menstrual Cycle/Pregnancy Surveillance:
Using beads of two different colors, we will ask participants to identify the
days of the month on which menstrual cycles begin and end. Participants will
be given two boxes containing two different types of beads and a string attached
to a self-adhesive hook. We will ask participants to attach same colored beads
for each non-bleeding day in the cycle. They will be instructed to change the
type of bead on the first day of bleeding and to continue use of these beads
for each day that they bleed. Once bleeding stops, they will be instructed to
attach beads for non bleeding days. Data collectors will visit the home once
a month, count the beads of each type and transfer the information to an appropria
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 5 publications for this subproject
Supplemental Keywords:PCBs, MeHg, thyroid hormones, neuropsychological function, auditory function, in utero exposure. , ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Scientific Discipline, Health, RFA, PHYSICAL ASPECTS, Susceptibility/Sensitive Population/Genetic Susceptibility, Molecular Biology/Genetics, Toxicology, Risk Assessment, Risk Assessments, genetic susceptability, Health Risk Assessment, Physical Processes, Children's Health, biomarkers, developmental neurotoxicology, neurological development, environmental hazard exposures, neurodevelopmental toxicity, methylmercury, developmental effects, perinatal exposure, assessment of exposure, childhood cancer, toxics, sensitive populations, neurotoxic, biological markers, children, residential populations, exposure, PCB, children's vulnerablity, neurobehavioral effects, auditory function, human exposure, Human Health Risk Assessment
Progress and Final Reports:
Original Abstract
2003 Progress Report
2004 Progress Report
2005 Progress Report
Main Center Abstract and Reports:
R829390 CECEHDPR - University of Illinois FRIENDS Children’s Environmental Health Center
Subprojects under this Center:
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R829390C001 Neurobehavioral Effects of PCBs and Methylmercury in Rats
R829390C002 Perinatal PCB Exposure and Neuropsychological/Auditory Function
R829390C003 FRIENDS Analytical Toxicology Core Facility
R829390C004 Developmental Effects of PCBs and Methylmercury