Effects on the immune system associated with living near a pesticide dump site.

Abstract

In this paper, we report results of the second phase of a larger study designed to evaluate the effects on the immune system of living near a Superfund site containing organochlorine pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and metals. Phase II was conducted to determine whether living near the site, consisting of six locations in Aberdeen, North Carolina, is associated with higher plasma organochlorine levels, immune suppression, or DNA damage. Each of 302 residents of Aberdeen and neighboring communities provided a blood specimen, underwent a skin test, and answered a questionnaire. Blood specimens were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides, immune markers, and micronuclei. Of 20 organochlorines tested, only DDE was detected in the blood of participants (except for one individual). Age-adjusted mean plasma DDE levels were 4.05 ppb for Aberdeen residents and 2.95 ppb (p = 0.01) for residents of neighboring communities. Residents of 40-59 years of age who lived within a mile of any site, but particularly the Farm Chemicals site, had higher plasma DDE levels than residents who lived farther away. Residents who lived near the Farm Chemicals site before versus after 1985 also had higher plasma DDE levels. Overall, there were few differences in immune markers between residents of Aberdeen and the neighboring communities. However, residents who lived closer to the dump sites had statistically significantly lower mitogen-induced lymphoproliferative activity than residents who lived farther away (p < 0.05). Residential location was not consistently associated with frequency of micronuclei or skin test responses. Although some statistically significant differences in immune markers were noted in association with residential location, the magnitude of effects are of uncertain clinical importance.

Increased prevalence of primary biliary cirrhosis near superfund toxic waste sites

“…22 In New York City, particularly hazardous toxic waste sites have been designated New York State Superfund sites (NYC SFS) by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). Deleterious effects on the immune system of individuals living near SFS have been reported by Vine et al, 23 and thyroid disease was increased among women living near SFS in NYS containing polychlorinated biphenyls. 24 Thus, we decided to determine if the prevalence of PBC is increased near NYC SFS employing data from several sources and multiple analytic methods.…”

The role of environmental estrogens and autoimmunity

“…Prenatal exposure to DDT increases the risk of otitis media [35]; post-natal exposure to DDT has been linked to impairment of the upper respiratory tract immunity as evidenced by increased upper respiratory tract infections. It has been demonstrated that DDT diminished neutrophil functions and reduced mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation response [36]. On the other hand, a study enrolling children from Brazil exposed to DDT showed that the immune response to diptheria vaccine was not impaired [37].…”

Exposure assessment for endocrine disruptors: some considerations in the design of studies.

“…Metals, including lead, mercury, and cadmium, have also been reported in breast milk, but they do not usually accumulate to higher concentrations in breast milk than in blood. Chemical exposures to the mother may result from work, the ambient or home environment, diet, or carrying home of contaminants by another person living at the residence (Fenske 1997;Fingerhut et al 1991;National Research Council 1999;Rogan et al 1988;Vine et al 2000;Weisglas-Kuperus et al 2000).…”