The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71951

Heraline E. Hicks, MS, PhD, Division of Toxicology, U. S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Road, N.E. Mail Stop E29, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-498-0717, heh2@cdc.gov

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is conducting epidemiological studies in the U.S. Great Lakes states to investigate the potential for adverse health effects in vulnerable populations exposed to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) via fish consumption. Several vulnerable populations such as American Indians, African Americans, pregnant women, newborns, young children, the elderly, and the urban poor are included in the Great Lakes Human Health Effects Research Program studies. 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. There is a significant trend of increasing body burden with increased fish consumption. Adverse health effects such as neurological, developmental, and reproductive have been observed in these populations. The presentation (1) will discuss what social/cultural and behavioral factors affect knowledge of and adherence to fish advisories, and (2) will describe how development of culturally appropriate risk communication messages with public health intervention strategies can influence behavior to reduce exposure to toxic substances.

Learning Objectives:

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is conducting epidemiological studies in the U.S. Great Lakes states to investigate the potential for adverse health effects in vulnerable populations exposed to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) via fish consumption. Several vulnerable populations such as American Indians, African Americans, pregnant women, newborns, young children, the elderly, and the urban poor are included in the Great Lakes Human Health Effects Research Program studies. 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. There is a significant trend of increasing body burden with increased fish consumption. Adverse health effects such as neurological, developmental, and reproductive have been observed in these populations. The presentation (
• will discuss what social/cultural and behavioral factors affect knowledge of and adherence to fish advisories, and (
• will describe how development of culturally appropriate risk communication messages with public health intervention strategies can influence behavior to reduce exposure to toxic substances.

Keywords: Environmental Exposures, Vulnerable Populations

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.