AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY

Abstract

I. Abstract During the first year of the project, a questionnaire was developed and administered to approximately 200 Native Americans primarily from Ojibway reservations at Grand Portage MN, Bad River WI, Keweenaw Bay MI, and Bay Mills MI. Twenty-eight volunteers completed the neuropsychological evaluations, and twenty provided blood and hair samples.

The health fairs provided the roost concentrated gathering and most successful forum for soliciting participation and administering question­naires. Our participation at the health fairs was also appreciated by the tribes because of the valuable information provided to the tribal members. The tribal liaison method for data collection was largely unsuccessful, and repeat visits to collect biological samples was not very successful.

Therefore, for year two we are suggesting modifications to the data collection procedures which will emphasize the health fairs and simultaneous collection of hair and blood samples from all participants who are willing. Subsequent tribal visits by the clinical psychologist will continue to be conducted.

Fish collection for chemical analysis was completed from Bad River and Keweenaw Bay. Bay Mills fishermen have collected whitefish from Lakes Superi­or, Michigan, and Huron. Currently, rodent bioassays are being performed to compare inland walleye that are primarily contaminated with mercury to Lake Superior fish that have both mercury and numerous organochlorine (e.g. PCBs, chlordanes, and DDT) contamination. One rodent subchronic and one developmen­tal protocol are planned for year two.

The questionnaire was considered a major deterent to participation in the first year. There were numerous complaints regarding the number/length (40 min) and _the redundancy of the questions. Therefore, a simplified ques­ tionnaire is attached for ATSDR '?-pproval for use starting in year two. Some redundancy is retained to provide for a quality assurance che k of the re­ sponses. The new questionnaire (revision date 12/1/93) as attached will be used starting with the 1994 health fairs. If the sponsor has any comments or revisions, those should be provided to Dr. Dellinger at the Medical College of Wisconsin by March 1, 1994.

Investigators plan to revisit Bad River, Keweenaw Bay, and: Bay Mills health fairs to solicit follow-up participation. Grand Portage reservation does not have a routine health fair, and it is too small and remote to merit follow-up visits. We will expand to at least two other health fair locations as funding and tribal approval permits.