performance in children at 38 months.
No relationship between PCBs and measur-
able deficits in McCarthy performance was
observed when the children were reassessed
at 54 months of age.
A survey of couples exposed to PCBs and
DDE found that men who had higher levels
of PCBs were more likely to father boys.
The couples were surveyed to estimate the
sex odds ratio for parental PCB and DDE.
When controlling for maternal exposure and
parental DDE exposure, the sex odds ratio
was increased if PCB levels were elevated.
Out of 206 children born to the couples sur-
veyed, 126 were boys and 82 were girls. Typ-
ically, according to scientific literature, the
human sex ratio is about 106 boys and 100
girls. Thus, paternal exposure is linked to a
Alaska Traditional
Diet Project
Fishing in the Great Lakes
Foods and dietary practices of Alaska Natives
During fiscal year 2001, significant research
differ from that of the general U.S. population.
There are emerging concerns about the potential
the following.
contaminant burden among Alaskans who eat
subsistence foods. ATSDR's Alaska Traditional
The relationship between maternal consump-
Diet Project, an effort begun in October 2000,
tion of contaminated fish and birth weight
was developed to assist consumers of Alaskan
was assessed in mothers. Children born
traditional foods in making informed dietary
to mothers who consumed more than the
decisions to prevent adverse health outcomes.
median number (116) of fish meals before
their pregnancy were 5.4 times more likely to
The project was developed in response to con-
have low birth weight.
cerns about the effects of environmental con-
tamination that is present in Arctic and sub-
Maternal serum PCBs and DDE concentra-
Arctic regions. Many Alaskans worry that expo-
tions were significantly associated with fish
consumption, but only PCBs were signifi-
tence lifestyle, or through commercial and rec-
cantly associated with low birth weight.
reational activity, can potentially lead to cancer,
The relationship between prenatal exposure
worsen existing conditions such as diabetes and
to PCBs and performance on the McCarthy
asthma, and increase the incidence of other
Scales of Children's Abilities was assessed in
health problems.
212 children at 38 months of age and again
at 54 months. PCBs were statistically associ-
ated with measurable deficits in McCarthy
40 chapter 2
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