SCERP Project Number: MIEP
Principal Investigator: Maria Alvarez Amaya, Project Director
Gail Ackall
The University of Texas at El Paso
Research Project Description: The purpose of the study was to document serum levels of lead and folic acid in a sample of low-income Hispanic pregnant women in Juarez, Mexico in collaboration with Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez (UACJ). Data have been collected and preliminary analyses are underway.
Goal: The goal of the study was to relate lead levels, folic acid levels and exposure risk in pregnant women residing in two target areas in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The specific objectives were:
1.to develop a study methodology that will permit comparative analysis of data between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez;
2.to develop a culturally-sensitive collaborative training program for project staff at both sites;
3.to identify lead levels and sources of exposure in the pilot sample;
4.to develop a culturally-sensitive subject recruitment program in Ciudad Juarez;
5.to identify research and education needs related to health hazards associated with perinatal lead exposure.
Rationale: Refer to the rationale for "Analysis of lead exposure during pregnancy and the neonatal period" for background. This collaborative study will pave the way for future collaborative binational environmental health research. The model developed will facilitate continued multidisciplinary environmental health research between UTEP and UACJ.
Approach: Seventy women attending two UACJ-affiliated prenatal clinics were recruited. Blood was drawn for serum lead and folic acid levels. A Spanish language pilot-tested risk assessment questionnaire was administered. The project was conducted in collaboration with Anthony Suruda, University of Utah. The long term goal is to develop a binational research proposal based on this pilot data to investigate the role of folic acid, lead, and behavioral variables in neural tube defects.
Status: Data were collected in November 1994, but have not yet been entered into a computer database. Laboratory analysis is incomplete. Two cases of perinatal lead toxicity were identified. Home visits were made to collect additional risk exposure data and to collect environmental specimens (water, dust, soil) to identify the source of exposure. These results are not yet available. Subjects were referred for appropriate medical follow-up according to the research protocol.
Potential Users: Health care professionals, environmental health scientists, policy makers.
Other Personnel: Edna Rico, UACJ Dept. Toxicology
Anthony Suruda, University of Utah, School of Medicine
Nicolas Pingitori, UTEP Dept. Geochemistry
Mel Ortiz, UTEP, Biostatistics Center
The FY92 SCERP-supported phase (P15) of this project was reported as
part of FY93.
The FY93 SCERP-supported phases of this project:: EH93-3
and MIEP
The FY94 SCERP-supported phase of this project: AQ94-OF-4
A related FY97 SCERP-support project: EH97-1.html
Last updated 7/1/99