Health Studies
A health study is conducted to determine the relationships between exposure to hazardous substances and adverse
health effects. Health studies also define health problems that require further investigation through additional mecha-
nisms, for example, a health surveillance or epidemiologic study. Following are examples of site-specific health studies
and investigations that ATSDR has conducted or supported in New Jersey.
Multistate Case-Control Study of Childhood Brain Cancers - This study is
evaluating the association
between residential proximity to NPL sites and the diagnosis of brain cancer. Cases of childhood brain cancer
have been identified in four states, New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. This larger study is the
result of cluster investigations around three sites - Rochester, New York; Port St. Lucie, Florida; and Dover
Township, New Jersey. Data collection began in 2000, and the telephone interview phase of the study has been
completed. Collection of blood samples for the second phase of the study was completed in 2001. The second
phase will examine the relationship between the childhood brain cancer risk and blood levels of environmental
chemicals among mothers of children diagnosed at less than 5 years of age during the most recent 2 years and
mothers of corresponding controls. Data analysis for the interview phase began in 2001 and will continue
through 2002.
The Childhood Cancer Incidence Update: A Review and Analysis of Cancer Registry Data This
review was conducted for Dover Township for the years 1979-2000 and a report was released in January 2003.
It is an update of a previous report that evaluated cancer incidence data for Dover Township for the years 1979-
1995 which was released in 1997.
The Case-Control Study of Childhood Cancers in Dover Township (Ocean County), New Jersey This
exploratory study sought to identify possible disease risk factors for leukemia and brain and nervous system
cancers, which were elevated among children in Dover Township and the Toms River section of the township.
The case-control study examined several specific hypotheses about the relationship between these childhood
cancers and certain environmental pathways identified in the community, including exposures to specific commu-
nity and private drinking water sources and major air pollution sources. Several associations between exposure
and cancers were found, including prenatal exposures to a certain public water supply well field, exposures to a
major air pollutant source, and leukemia. The final report was released in 2003.
Environmental Health Research
Between 1992 and 1995, ATSDR awarded funding to New Jersey to conduct environmental health research.
Following are examples of research activities conducted in the state.
Research Program for Exposure Characterization (1992 - 1995) - In 1992, the University of Medicine
and Dentistry of New Jersey and ATSDR initiated a
3-year cooperative agreement to
develop an
exposure
characterization research program. This collaboration was in response to the national need for detailed informa-
tion on
human exposure and dose for contaminants commonly found at
Department of
Energy hazardous
waste facilities and NPL sites.
Toxicological Profiles
ATSDR develops toxicological profiles that describe health effects, environmental characteristics, and other informa-
tion for substances found at NPL sites. These profiles contain information on pathways of human exposure and the
behavior of hazardous substances in environmental media such as air, soil, and water. In the past 5 years, more than
1,811 of these profiles have been sent to requesters, including representatives of federal, state, and local health and
environmental departments; academic institutions; private industries; and nonprofit organizations in New Jersey.
If you would like additional information, contact ATSDR toll-free at (888) 42ATSDR,
that is, (888) 422-8737 or visit the homepage at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov
February 2003