Pollutants and children: Lessons from case histories

Miller, RW

HERO ID

2192298

Reference Type

Book/Book Chapter

Year

1981

HERO ID 2192298
Year 1981
Title Pollutants and children: Lessons from case histories
Book Title Guidelines for Studies of Human Populations Exposed to Mutagenic and Reproductive Hazards,
Authors Miller, RW
Editor Bloom, AD
Publisher Text March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
City White Plains, NY
Volume A
Page Numbers 155-163
Abstract Case histories which illustrated the adverse health consequences associated with exposure to environmental pollutants were presented. Exposure of male factory workers to dibromochloropropane (35691657) or kepone (143500) resulted in sterility. Epidemics of poisoning from heavy metals were discovered among children who lived in the vicinity of smelters. Consumption of fish from a river in Japan contaminated with factory waste containing methylmercury resulted in an epidemic of neurologic disorders and the births of 40 children with cerebral palsy. In South Africa, a cluster of cases of mesothelioma were found to be associated with living near open pit asbestos (1332214) mines as children. Accidental contamination of cooking oil with polychlorinated-biphenyl (1336363) resulted in an epidemic of chloracne in Kyushu, Japan. Cattle feed contaminated with polybrominated biphenyls caused devastating debilitation and death among livestock in Michigan. Inappropriate disposal of chemical byproducts of hexachlorophene (70304) onto floors of horse arenas caused deaths of 63 horses and illnesses among children who played on the floor. Nearly all known teratogens and carcinogens were first recognized through clinical observations by patients or their physicians and were subsequently tested epidemiologically and experimentally. Proposed steps for the epidemiologic study of areawide contamination were outlined. A list of available resources which may aid in the study of environmental contamination was provided. The special susceptibilities of the child and fetus, and of the reproductive system to chemical pollutants were emphasized. The author concludes that priorities need to be set and plans formulated for the evaluation of health hazards of environmental contamination.
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override 2192298
Conference Location Washington, DC
Conference Name Proceedings of Conference: Guidelines for studies of human populations exposed to mutagenic and reproductive hazards
Conference Date January 26-27, 1981
Comments Journal: Guidelines for Studies of Human Populations Exposed to Mutagenic and Reproductive Hazards ISSN:
Is Public Yes