Effect of chronic inhalation of inorganic arsenic on the risk of stillbirth in a community surrounding an agriculture chemical production facility: a hospital-based study
Due to the character of the original source materials and the nature of batch digitization, quality control issues may be present in this document. Please report any quality issues you encounter to [email protected], referencing the URI of the item.Includes bibliographical references.Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.Evidence from numerous animal, and a number of human epidemiologic studies has indicated there is an increased risk for adverse reproductive outcomes associated with arsenic exposure, regardless of the method of exposure or form of the arsenic. However, the extent and severity of the effects of chronic inhalation of low levels of arsenic on health and reproduction are not known. Bryan, Texas was the site of an agricultural chemical production facility for over 60 years. 'Me primary products manufactured at the facility were arsenic-based pesticides, herbicides and defoliants. Arsenic contaminated waste water was generated as a result of the manufacturing process and over the course of the plant's operations large quantities of arsenic were released into the water and air. An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fugitive Dust Model was used to model the extent and atmospheric pattern of arsenic distribution after its emission. It was estimated that a large part of the Bryan community was exposed to levels of airborne arsenic not typically found in the environment in the United States, and in excess of Texas state Effect Screening Level (ESL). A hospital-based, case-control study of stillbirths was conducted at a major delivery hospital in Brazos County, Texas. Medical and demographic data for the period January 1, 1983, through December 31, 1993, were abstracted from the hospital medical records. Socioeconomic status was estimated by Median Income from block group level data in the 1990 STA3 Population and Housing Census data file. Estimated arsenic exposure levels were ascertained based upon a mass balance model and incorporated into an EPA Fugitive Dust Model. Among the 386 infants who made up the study population, meternal residence in the high exposure area was associated with increased risk of stillbirth with an odds ratio of 4.0 (95% CI 1.2-13.7). There was also a statistically significant dose-response relationship between level of exposure and risk of stillbirth (p--O.035)
