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EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDY OF BIRTH DEFECTS AND DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS (DBPS)
Impact/Purpose:
The results of this study may strengthen or weaken the Agency's concern for the potential of DBPs to cause adverse developmental effects. The data may be used to adjust proposed MCLGs/MCLs for particular DBPs in the Stage 2 DBP rule, or to develop MCLGs/MCLs for other DBPs in subsequent revisions of the Stage 2 rule.
Description:
Birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in the US, accounting for more than 20% of all infant deaths. In addition, birth defects are the fifth leading cause of years of potential life lost and contribute substantially to childhood morbidity and long-term disability. Because the causes of about 75% of all birth defects are unknown, the public continues to be anxious about whether environmental pollutants cause birth defects; much of this concern is focused on drinking water and the perceived risk associated with contaminants such as disinfection byproducts. A 1992 study in New Jersey suggested that some birth defects may be associated with exposure to DBPs in drinking water. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the potential association between birth defects and DBPs by 1) using large population-based birth defects registries; 2) using an improved case definition and specified criteria for case inclusion; 3) developing and pilot testing an interview instrument which can be administered at all Centers for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (CBDRP) sites to collect information on relevant exposures and potential confounds; and 4) taking advantage of the large sample size in CBDRP which provides unprecedented power to evaluate potential risk factors for specific birth defects. This study will evaluate the potential association between birth defects and DBPs by: 1) building upon the ongoing DBP study in metropolitan Atlanta and; 2) adding a drinking water component to the National Birth Defects Prevention Study in Atlanta and at least two additional sites. A multifaceted approach for the assessment of DBP exposure includes: 1) adding a drinking water module to the existing interview instrument in selected CBDRP; and 2) use of historical water treatment records in participating CBDRP.