The Michigan PBB Registry Community Discussion Sharing Research Findings Seeking Input from PBB Registry Participants Michigan PBB Registry • Family History Table – Indicate who worked at the Chemical Plant or was otherwise exposed – Then list their children and grandchildren • If you are waiting to participate – A volunteer will be holding up index card with number • At the Transfer of Records Table you will get your PBB ID or use the Lab ID in your folder MgO PBB Nutrimaster Firemaster MgO PBB Nutrimaster Firemaster Timeline • July 1973-May 1974 – Michigan residents ate dairy, beef, and poultry products that had been contaminated with PBBs • 1976-1979 – Creation of the PBB Registry (MI long-term PBB study) – Measurement of PBB in blood – Health questionnaires • 1980 – PBB no longer produced in the United States PBB Registry Long-Term PBB Study • About 5,000 individuals • People who ate contaminated food – Farm families – Michigan residents • Chemical company workers • Children of people who ate contaminated food; children of chemical workers PBB Characteristics • Exposure – contaminated food, inhalation, skin absorption • Stored in body fat • Remain in the body for many years – After 15 years, about half of the PBB has been eliminated from the body • Can mimic or block natural hormones • Can be transferred from mother to child in the womb or through breast milk How is PBB Exposure Measured? • Blood is collected • Serum is extracted • Internal standard and acid added • Extract twice with solvent • Remove fats • Concentrate volume Risk of Developing Disease Risk varies among individuals • Genetics • Diet, Exercise • Occupation • Environmental Exposures PBB Registry Research • Compare the health of people with high vs. low PBB exposure – The low exposure group includes about 1,000 people with no PBB detected in their blood. – Even if PBB was not detected in blood, people may have PBB in their fat tissue • Compare the health of everyone in the PBB Registry to the general population. • Periodic surveys to collect information on health • Some research on specific subgroups (e.g. chemical workers, women, daughters or sons) Health Effects Noted Soon After the PBB Incident • • • • • Skin rashes Hair loss Memory problems Muscle and joint problems Slight differences in immune system and liver function Research Findings MI Chemical Workers • Higher PBB concentration in serum and fat compared to family members • Higher rates of skin symptoms compared to farmers • High rates of hypothyroidism than general population • Sperm count and motility similar to general population Research Findings Farm Families Those who ate contaminated food • Men who ate contaminated food – Thyroid problems • Women who ate contaminated food – Possible changes to menstrual periods – Lower estrogen levels – A few more cases of breast cancer than expected – No increase in endometriosis, infertility or miscarriages Research Findings Children Born After 1973, to Women Who Ate Contaminated Food • PBB can be transferred to children while in the womb or through breast milk • Children born many years later can still be exposed • Children are more vulnerable to toxic chemicals than adults Research Findings Daughters Born After 1973, to Women Who Ate Contaminated Food • Earlier maturation - First menstrual period at 11.5 years compared to 12.5 years • Shorter stature • As adults - more miscarriages Miscarriages Among Daughters 30% 25% 20% Low 15% Medium High 10% 5% 0% Mother's Exposure Level Research Findings Among Sons Born After 1973, to Women Who Ate Contaminated Food • More genital conditions (hypospadias) than the general population • Sons of highly exposed women were more likely to have problems with the urinary or genital system • Sons of highly exposed women had slower growth in childhood Research Findings Important Points • PBB appears to be acting as an “endocrine disrupter” – Thyroid – Reproductive system • Children of exposed parents may be affected Chemical Workers • Bring chemical workers back into PBB registry – transfer records from MDCH • Blood testing for PBB, PBDE, PCB, DDT, DDE, HBB • General Health Questionnaire • What are your concerns? PBB Levels, St. Louis PBB Levels, Consumers of contaminated food PBB Levels, 1976-1978 Women’s Health Aged 18 - 57 • Reproductive Health questionnaire (online) • Measure PBB and other chemicals in blood • Menstrual cycle calendar • Measure hormones in urine Women’s Hormone Patterns Men’s Health • Health questionnaire • Measure PBB, PCBs, DDT, DDE, HBB and PBDE in blood • Hormones in urine • Semen collection at home Sperm Assessment • Sperm count • Sperm velocity • Sperm size and shape • Sperm viability Why Participate? • Contribution to science, public health and your neighbors • Information about your chemical exposure • Your hormone levels • Information about your menstrual cycles (for women) • Semen analysis (for men) – Physical exam • Compensation (up to $200) Additional Ongoing Research • Study causes of death for PBB Registry participants (now including chemical workers) • Continue to study cancer occurrence • Study additional concerns suggested by you We Need Your Help • What are your concerns? • Michigan Health Department can no longer maintain the registry For Questions or for More Information Please Contact us! PBB Registry Study Phone: 1-888-892-0074 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.pbbregistry.emory.edu Funding provided by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences US Environmental Protection Agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Small Group Discussions Seeking Input from PBB Registry Study Participants Why community engagement? • The research needs to be relevant to those who experienced exposure to PBB and other chemicals. Your concerns help guide future research. PBB Citizens Advisory Board PBB Citizens Advisory Board – Resource for registry members – Assist researchers in reaching out to PBB community – Work with the researchers to plan research that is responsive to the PBB community needs and interests. Group Discussion How this will work… • Small Group Discussion – – – – Move chairs into small groups Facilitator for each group Each person is allotted at least 1 minute of input Facilitator records each person’s comments without names or other identifying information – Facilitator notifies each person of time limit – Second round, anyone may add additional thoughts • Large Group Share – Reporters summarize major points and suggestions from their table Discussion Topics: • Describe your continued concerns related to PBB and other chemical exposures. • What kind of information would be helpful regarding chemical exposures? Format: • Each person allotted 1 minute for input. • Then, any person may add additional comments until end of the discussion. Small Group Discussions
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