Panel Discussion

In 2000, the National Research Council summarized the toxicological effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on vulnerable populations, primarily unborn and developing children, in a scientific review of risk assessment evidence. In addition to confirming the adequacy of the EPA’s reference dose range (RfD) for MeHg of 0.1 µg/kg/day, the report recommended improving the characterization of risk and regional differences in the U.S. population. The papers presented in this session will identify risk communication and exposure assessment challenges surrounding this environmental hazard with human exposure factors primarily linked to the consumption of contaminated fish. A summary of current MeHg national policies and agency recommendations impacting risk communication efforts will also be discussed. Public health nurse investigators from Wisconsin and Montana will address components of methylmercury exposure assessment and risk communication including: (a) a community-based participatory approach for educating and screening at-risk populations, (b) the current status of fish advisory messages on seven reservations in the Northwest, (c) a descriptive analysis of fish consumption and advisory awareness among American Indian women of childbearing age, and (d) the risk communication preferences among American Indian women receiving Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infant and Children (WIC) services on one reservation.

Session Objectives: 1.Characterize populations at risk for exposure to methylmercury. 2.Identify rules and frameworks to address effective risk communication. 3.Describe components of methylmercury exposure assessment using community-based participatory approaches. 4.Discuss current MeHg national policies and agency recommendations that impact risk communication efforts.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing