that could be affected; study the mechanisms of action,
initiation, progression, and repair of injury; identify
and consumption as they relate to methylmercury
biomarkers to determine the health of an organism; and
exposure in women.
develop qualitative and quantitative methods to assess
Assessing Effects of Human Reproductive
multiple health effects.
Health of PCB Exposure via Consumption of
Great Lakes Fish--MSU received funds for an
The purpose of Wayne State University's research is to
generate data to compare the advantages and limita-
epidemiologic study to conduct a cross-sectional and
tions of various models used to evaluate joint toxic
longitudinal observational assessment of the effects
action; evaluate the role of mixing ratios on the toxicant
of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure, both
interactions; identify the importance of model fitting to
current and in utero, on reproductive health. The
the performance of the models and the validity of the
main goal of this project is to assess fecundability
conclusions derived; and evaluate dose-dependent inter-
and reproductive success in two cohort studies of
actions. Previous studies have supported the conclusions
individuals selected from two source populations at
that chemical interactions can play a critical role in the
elevated risk of exposure to PCBs via consumption
of Great Lakes sport-caught fish.
tions changes as a function of dose.
Consortium for the Health Assessment of Great
Lakes Sport Fish Consumption--MDCH received
Great Lakes Human Health Effects
funds to collaborate with six other Great Lakes state
Research Program
health departments to investigate the association
between sport-caught fish consumption in the diet
In support of the Great Lakes Critical Programs Act, this
of Great Lakes residents and serum levels of PCBs,
program's six objectives are to (1) build on and extend
DDE, dioxins, and furans that have been detected in
the results from past and ongoing research in the Great
Great Lakes fish. The consortium is also examining
Lakes region; (2) develop information databases or re-
the association between serum levels of these
search methodology, or both, that will provide long-term
benefits to the human health effects research efforts in
as reproductive, developmental, and disturbances
the Great Lakes basin; (3) provide direction for future
in thyroid function. This consortium has also been
health effects research; (4) provide health information to
instrumental in developing culturally appropriate fish
state and local health officials, the concerned public, and
consumption messages for vulnerable populations in
their medical health care professionals; (5) increase pub-
the Great Lakes basin.
lic awareness about the potential health implications of
Educating Vulnerable Populations
necessary with relevant government research programs
About Fish Advisories in Michigan
and activities to ameliorate adverse public health impacts
In fiscal year 2003, Congress authorized ATSDR to initi-
The following studies in conducted in Michigan have
ate a pilot program in Michigan for fish consumption
assisted in achieving these objectives.
advisories. The purpose of this program is to conduct
Health Risks From Consumption of Great Lakes
community-based research to assess the knowledge of
Fish--MSU received funds for an epidemiologic
and adherence to fish health advisories in vulnerable
study to investigate methylmercury exposure via
populations who reside in the Upper Peninsula of the
fish consumption in women of childbearing age
state of Michigan. These vulnerable populations would
living in the Great Lakes basin. This study involves
include such populations as American Indians, sport and
three projects: determining body burden levels of
subsistence anglers, pregnant women, young children,
mercury in pregnant women throughout the entire
and the elderly. In fiscal year 2003, ATSDR funded
research grants to Michigan State University and Inter-
period of gestation, examining the relationship
Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. for this pilot program.
between methylmercury and early pregnancy
loss in susceptible populations such as African
For more information, contact ATSDR toll-free
Americans, and conducting a statewide pilot project
at 1-888-42ATSDR (1-888-422-8737) or visit the
to determine baseline mercury levels in Michigan
ATSDR Web page at www.atsdr.cdc.gov.
women. Results from these studies will permit a
October 2003
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