National Toxicology Program

[Federal Register: November 28, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 229)]
[Notices]
[Page 63364]

Public Health Service

National Toxicology Program (NTP)

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

Notice of Workshop on Strategies for Assessing the Implications of Malformed Frogs for Environmental Health

The Workshop will be held in the Conference Center, Building 101, South Campus, NIEHS, 111 Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, on December 4-5, 1997, from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th and approximately 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, December 5th.

Background:
Over the last few years increasing numbers of malformed frogs have been reported in numerous states, across southern Canada, and in Japan. Early in 1997 the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requested the assistance of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, and the National Toxicology Program with their investigation into the cause of the frog malformations occurring across Minnesota. A research plan has been implemented to determine whether there is a site-specific correlation between the malformations and contaminants determined by chemical analysis of water and sediment, laboratory bioassays, and field monitoring of frog populations. The causal factors have not yet been determined. However, evidence to date indicates that pond water and groundwater from affected sites are capable of producing frog embryo deformities in the laboratory.

Workshop Goals:

• Review NIEHS/NTP findings and strategies for future study
• Assess the implications of NIEHS/MPCA and related findings for human and ecological health
• Provide an opportunity for discussion, input and perspective from the broader scientific community, industry, Federal, state, and local government officials, and the public

Workshop Topics:

• Overview of Frog Deformities (Historical Perspective; Geographic Extent and Incidence; Affected State Perspectives; Possible Environmental Causes)
• Minnesota/NIEHS Cooperative Research Efforts
• Environmental Chemistry and Hydrogeology
• Ecological Health Issues; Human Health Issues; Monitoring Strategies (Federal and State)
• Future Directions

Invited speakers will address the topics listed above. Time will be provided for open discussion and comment.

Public Participation Encouraged and Welcome: The entire meeting will be open to the public with attendance limited only by space available.

To Register: Please provide the following information by mail or fax, or E-mail: Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial; Institution, Department, Title; Address, City, State/Country, Zip Code; Daytime Phone, FAX Number, E-Mail Address. Foward to: NTP Liaison Office, P.O. Box 12233, MD: A3-01, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA [Tel: (919) 541-0530; FAX (919) 541-0295, E-mail: britton@niehs.nih.gov.

For further information, including a tentative agenda, contact the NTP Liaison Office as shown above.

Dated: November 13, 1997

____________________________
Samuel H. Wilson, M.D.
Deputy Director
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

[Billing Code 4140-01-P]