Objectives: We previously described high levels of mercury in skin
and blood of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon, FL and suggested that these animals may serve as sentinels for public health. Therefore, we assessed mercury exposure through fish consumption among individuals living near the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL who are potentially exposed to high levels of mercury in their diets. Results were compared to existing data on the Indian River Lagoon bottlenose dolphin population in order to fully understand the link between human and dolphin health in this unique environment.
Methods: We surveyed 59 adult residents at the Florida Oceanographic Society Center, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, and around common fishing areas. Questionnaires provided information on species-specific fish consumption during the 3 months before the survey. Hair samples were collected from all participants to be analyzed for total mercury.
Results: Residents’ mean hair mercury concentration was 1.5 ppm (n=59; range, 0.04-16.18 ppm); 42% of participants had levels >1 ppm, which approximately corresponds to the US EPA’s reference dose. Hair mercury levels were positively associated with fish consumption and significantly higher in those who consumed seafood from the Indian River Lagoon. In particular, those who consumed tuna filets/steak, grouper, and salmon had higher mercury concentrations in their hair, which follows the nationally reported averages in tissue of these fish species. However, the mean concentration of mercury in human hair was lower than that in the skin of IRL dolphins (7 ppm).
Conclusions: Study participants had relatively elevated mercury concentrations in their hair. This group represents a highly exposed sub-population with an exposure profile that differs from fish consumers in other regions of the United States and the general population, suggesting a need for more regionally specific exposure estimates and public health advisories.
This year the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) has added a new way to participate in the Call for Abstracts process for the Annual Educational Conference (AEC) & Exhibition. It is called, "Be a voice" and it gives you the opportunity to tell us what you’d like to experience at the AEC. Tell us topics you’d like to hear about and speakers you’d like to see. Review abstracts and provide input.
Help NEHA develop a training and education experience that continues to advance the proficiency of the environmental health profession AND helps create bottom line improvements for your organization!To search for specific abstracts, please use the search box located at the top left of the page (*next to the Blogger icon).
HELPFUL LINKS: How to Participate and Use this Blog | Disclosure | NEHA Blog Policy and Participation Guide
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO PARTICIPATE: Submit An Abstract | Suggest a Topic | Suggest a Speaker | Questions?
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Creating Value through the Food Safety Modernization Act
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law by President Obama in January, 2011. FSMA establishes requirements for pro-actively preventing food contamination along the entire food value chain. Given the effort and burden required for its proper implementation, SAIC has developed a risk-based process for leveraging the requirement of FSMA to create value through lowering the cost of risk, creating branding opportunities and maintaining shareholder value.
Methamphetamine Lab Contamination: A Different Look at the Impact of the Meth Epidemic
The impact of the methamphetamine epidemic is far reaching. Twenty-years ago the only concern with methamphetamine was the crime associated with the drug, i.e. burglary, sexual-assault, child abuse, etc. Over the past decade more attention has been given to the “hidden” impact of methamphetamine – the residual contamination caused by indoor manufacturing and/or smoking of methamphetamine. Smoked methamphetamine and meth labs alike generate airborne methamphetamine. The pyrolytic characteristic of methamphetamine when heated causes the drug to become an aerosol when smoked.In manufacturing, methamphetamine becomes an aerosol during the final
“gassing” phase. Both instances the residue attaches itself to any and all
indoor surfaces, as well as, infiltrates a building’s furnace and/or HVAC
system causing both safety and health concerns to innocent children and adults alike. This presentation will identify the signs of methamphetamine manufacturing; discuss the health hazards associated with exposure to methamphetamine residue; outline West Virginia’s remediation regulations; review the latest manufacturing method; and define the steps to a decontaminated structure.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Community Engagement and Health Impact Assessments
Why, to what extent and how should the community be involved in environmental health impact assessments? This lecture focuses on what it means to have meaningful community participation, the benefits from community participation and the possible means by which these benefits are conveyed. The lecture will use several theories on community engagement to explore the range of possible tools for participation and propose a formula and specific methods for short and long term projects.
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