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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ami R. Zota, MS¹, Adrienne Ettinger, ScD², Laurel A. Schaider, PhD¹, Robert Wright, MD¹, Dan J. Brabander, PhD³, and John Spengler, PhD². (1) Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Landmark Center, Room 409 West, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, 617-3848827, azota@hsph.harvard.edu, (2) Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, (3) Department of Geosciences, Wellesley College, 106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA 02481

Metals, such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, are common contaminants at many hazardous waste sites and may pose a particular risk to young children due to differences in behavior and their increased susceptibility for neuro-developmental impairment. However, few studies have collected systematic data on concurrent exposure to multiple metals during the early stages of life or accounted for potential interactions. As part of the Center for Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research at the Harvard School of Public Health, we are conducting a longitudinal, multi-media exposure assessment study at the Tar Creek Superfund Site, a mining-related Superfund site contaminated by metal-enriched mining waste and populated by many residents of Native American descent. Our objective is to evaluate the relationship between environmental exposures to metals and biomarkers of absorbed metals dose (as measured in blood and hair) in young children living proximate to the site. The residential environments of 50 children under 1 year of age will be sampled twice at 6 months intervals. From each home, we will collect samples of respirable, airborne particles (PM2.5), house dust, drinking water, yard soil, and food. Additionally, metal concentrations in ambient air will be assessed at 3 fixed sites. Samples will be analyzed for: lead, zinc, arsenic, iron, cadmium, copper, and manganese.

This talk focuses on the sampling methodology and a novel approach to characterize children's exposure by development stages. Preliminary results from homes sampled, between July 2005-February 2006, will be presented including metal concentrations and correlations in various environmental media.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Understand potential important routes of exposure to heavy metals (present in mining waste) for infants living near a Superfund site
• Describe elements of a basic exposure assessment study
• Discuss the role of community partners in environmental health studies

Keywords: Children's Health, Native Americans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No