Grantee Research Project Results

Reproductive Health and Dioxin Exposure of Females of Seveso

EPA Grant Number: R824761
Title: Reproductive Health and Dioxin Exposure of Females of Seveso
Investigators: Eskenazi, Brenda
Institution: University of California - Berkeley
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: October 1, 1995 through September 1, 1998
Project Amount: $426,554
RFA: Human Health Risk Assessment (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Environmental Justice , Human Health

Description:

Although reproductive effects of TCDD exposure have been reported in numerous animal studies, studies of this association in humans have been limited. In 1976, an explosion at the ICMESA chemical plant in Seveso, Italy exposed the surrounding population to the highest levels of 2, 3, 7, 8-terachlorodibenzo- -dioxin (TCDD or dioxin) recorded in humans. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of TCDD exposure and reproductive health in the women of this population. Seveso women who were 0 to 30 years old in 1976, and who lived in Zones A, Bmax and Bmin (exposed areas) will be compared. Women will be interviewed about their reproductive history and asked to keep a menstrual cycle diary for two months. Women will receive a pelvic examination and transvaginal ultrasound. Blood samples will be drawn. Medical records will be obtained for reported gynecologic problems or surgeries. The results of this study will provide population-based human data on the risk of TCDD exposure and reproductive health in women. It is expected that the results of this study will have important policy implications for the regulation of exposure to TCDD and TCDD-like compounds in the United States.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 4 publications for this project

Journal Articles:

Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 2 journal articles for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

Health, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Geographic Area, International, Health Risk Assessment, Risk Assessments, Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Endocrine Disruptors - Human Health, Children's Health, endocrine disruptors, Endocrine Disruptors - Environmental Exposure & Risk, environmental mutagens, toxic environmental contaminants, population-based human data, human exposure, Seveso, females, Italy, endocrine disrupting chemicals, TCDD, dioxin exposure, reproductive health

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.