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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Catherine Zeman, PhD¹, Lisa A. Beltz, PhD², D.K. Bayer, BS², M. Kruth, BS², J. Maddux, BS³, A.L. Moss, BS², J. Orr, BA¹, L.E. Rash, BA¹, P.C. Teran, BS¹, and Mark Linda, MS³. (1) Health Division, University of Northern Iowa, 239 WRC, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0241, 319-273-7090, catherine.zeman@uni.edu, (2) University of Northern Iowa, Biology Department, 95 MSH, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0421, (3) Environmental Health, Black Hawk County Health Department, 1407 Independence Ave., 5th Floor Pinecrest, Waterloo, IA 50704

Findings of a pilot-scale cohort study, conducted in Black Hawk County Iowa, involving 150 individuals of both genders and various age-grades examining the relationship between consumption of nitrate containing drinking water from private wells and various physiological, immunological and health indices will be presented. Three cohorts, high (>5 ppm), medium (1-5 ppm), and low (°Ü 0.9 ppm), none of which exceeded the maximum contaminant level, MCL as established by the Safe Drinking Water Act, SDWA are examined for their methemoglobin levels, and immunological status via venipuncture and blood sample analysis. Additionally, a variety of health status questions such as diagnosed diseases, exercise levels, outlook and mood, and dietary habits are examined via self-report questionnaire. Variables of immunological interest include immunological factors focusing on lymphocyte proliferation, and the expression of specific cytokines (Th1 and Th2 groups). Levels of the Th1 cytokine, interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor beta correlate with resistance to a number of infectious diseases while the Th2 cytokine and interleukin-10 correlate with disease susceptibility.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to

1.Understand the relationship between nitrate exposures and various health measures. 2.Explore the relationship between nitrate exposure and immunity.
• Understand the relationship between nitrate ingestion and methemoglobin levels.

Keywords: Environmental Health, Water Quality

Related Web page: fp.uni.edu/rrttc/safewellwater/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered