The presence of persistent toxic substances in the Great Lakes continues to be a significant concern. In the United States, some 80,000 commercial and industrial compounds are now in use. More than 30,000 are produced or used in the Great Lakes (GL). Eleven of the most persistent and ubiquitous substances were identified as "critical Great Lakes pollutants" by the International Joint Commission (IJC). These substances are organochlorine compounds, i.e., polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, furans, dieldrin, mirex, dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), toxaphene, heavy metals such as methylmercury, and alkylated lead, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., benzo[a]pyrene. A number of these chemicals are no longer in use but are present in the Great Lakes due to atmospheric transport from other sources. To address potential adverse health effects from exposure to these chemicals, the U.S. Congress amended the Great Lakes Critical Programs Act to create The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Great Lakes Human Health Effects Research Program (GLHHERP). Several vulnerable populations such as Native Americans, pregnant women, the fetus, young children, the elderly, and the urban poor are included in this epidemiological study. Research findings indicate vulnerable populations continue to be exposed to toxic substances and body burdens are elevated in comparison to the general U.S. population. Exposure to persistent toxic pollutants causes neurodevelopmental deficits in newborns, and cognitive deficits and impaired reproduction have been demonstrated in adults. The global public health implications of these findings will be discussed and public health intervention strategies to reduce exposure will be described.
Learning Objectives: Objectives: (1) To describe the ATSDR Great Lakes Human Health Effects Research Program; (2) To discuss the sociodemographic, exposure, and health effects data as it relates to vulnerable populations; (3) discuss how the research findings have significant global health implications; and (4) discuss intervention strategies that reduce exposure.
Keywords: Environmental Exposures, Vulnerable Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment