The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50028

M. Deborah Millette, MPH, Health Investigations Branch, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Road, MS E-31, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-498-0563, mdm2@cdc.gov

The Calcasieu Estuary area of Louisiana is heavily industrialized and contains a large number of chemical manufacturing plants that produce industrial chemicals such as chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents, vinyl chloride monomer, and other petroleum8-based chemicals. Residents of the area were concerned about potential exposures they might be receiving and had blood samples from 11 individuals analyzed for dioxins. Results showed that 3 blood samples were above the range of means from studies for exposure to dioxin-like compounds and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) recommended that the exposure sources of dioxin be identified and measures implemented to reduce exposure. ATSDR also conducted an exposure investigation for dioxin-like compounds on 28 volunteer residents. Results indicated that the concentrations of dioxin were greater than the 95th percentile of the reference population. ATSDR is currently conducting a more comprehensive investigation, using a comparison population, throughout Calcasieu Parish to better characterize the nature and extent of human exposure to dioxin-like compounds.

This presentation will provide an overview of industrial activities in the Calcasieu estuary, community concerns regarding these activities, and the response by public health and regulatory agencies to these concerns. Specific attention will be paid to the process of establishing rapport with community members to assure their involvement in developing a study protocol to better characterize the nature and extent of their exposure to dioxin-like compounds. Discussion will focus on the challenges encountered when seeking community involvement, as well as the steps taken to overcome obstacles in the process.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant wil be able to

• Identify three reasons why communicating scientific research to community memebers is difficult;
• Identify three reasons why professional scientists' credibility is questioned by community members; and
• Discuss methods to ensure participation of affected communities in the research process.

Keywords: Environmental Health, Community Participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.