Menstrual cycle characteristics and reproductive hormone levels in women exposed to atrazine in drinking water.

Atrazine is the most commonly used herbicide in the U.S. and a wide-spread groundwater contaminant. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence exists that atrazine disrupts reproductive health and hormone secretion. We examined the relationship between exposure to atrazine in drinking water and menstrual cycle function including reproductive hormone levels. Women 18-40 years old residing in agricultural communities where atrazine is used extensively (Illinois) and sparingly (Vermont) answered a questionnaire (n=102), maintained menstrual cycle diaries (n=67), and provided daily urine samples for analyses of luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol and progesterone metabolites (n=35). Markers of exposures included state of residence, atrazine and chlorotriazine concentrations in tap water, municipal water and urine, and estimated dose from water consumption. Women who lived in Illinois were more likely to report menstrual cycle length irregularity (odds ratio (OR)=4.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-13.95) and more than 6 weeks between periods (OR=6.16; 95% CI: 1.29-29.38) than those who lived in Vermont. Consumption of >2 cups of unfiltered Illinois water daily was associated with increased risk of irregular periods (OR=5.73; 95% CI: 1.58-20.77). Estimated "dose" of atrazine and chlorotriazine from tap water was inversely related to mean mid-luteal estradiol metabolite. Atrazine "dose" from municipal concentrations was directly related to follicular phase length and inversely related to mean mid-luteal progesterone metabolite levels. We present preliminary evidence that atrazine exposure, at levels below the US EPA MCL, is associated with increased menstrual cycle irregularity, longer follicular phases, and decreased levels of menstrual cycle endocrine biomarkers of infertile ovulatory cycles.

Use of insurance claims data to determine prevalence and confirm a cluster of sarcoidosis cases in Vermont.

OBJECTIVES: In 2006, the Vermont Department of Health was asked to respond to a potential cluster of sarcoidosis cases related to a Vermont office building. Sarcoidosis prevalence has not been formally described for the United States. A range of < 1-40/100,000 is commonly reported; however, we have not identified primary sources supporting this conclusion. Because of the wide prevalence range and lack of a local estimate, confirming existence of a cluster was difficult. METHODS: We ascertained the prevalence of sarcoidosis cases in Vermont by using insurance claims data to determine whether or not a cluster of sarcoidosis cases was related to the office building. We calculated county and state annual prevalence proportions for sarcoidosis for 2004 and 2005 and annual building prevalences for 1992-2006. RESULTS: The pooled sarcoidosis case prevalence for Vermont was 66.1/100,000. The pooled building annual prevalence (1,128/100,000) was statistically different from the county in which the building is located (odds ratio = 15.5, 95% confidence interval 3.0, 50.3). CONCLUSIONS: We reported the first statewide sarcoidosis prevalence in the United States. This prevalence exceeded previous limited and unsubstantiated U.S. reports. Even with Vermont's elevated sarcoidosis prevalence, the presence of a cluster in this building was apparent.

Reliability of retrospectively assessed categorical menstrual cycle length data.

PURPOSE: Prospective diaries have been shown to be more reliable than retrospective questionnaires for the assessment of menstrual cycle length collected as continuous data. We investigated the reliability of retrospectively collected categorical cycle length data. METHODS: In 2005, 67 women from Illinois and Vermont completed a menstrual diary and retrospective questionnaire. Based on commonly used cutpoints for normal cycle length, we created 2-, 3- and 4-category cycle length variables, calculated percent agreement, Cohen's kappa and prevalence index and investigated factors associated with accurate reporting. RESULTS: Overall agreement between diary and questionnaire responses was highest for the 2-category cycle length variable, <=35 vs. > 35 days (93%), and the 3-category variable, <25, 25-35 and > 35 days (82%). While Cohen's kappa fell below 0.6, its magnitude was limited by a high prevalence of "normal"" cycle length. Women with regular cycles were slightly more likely to have concordant responses. CONCLUSIONS: In epidemiologic studies where cycle length categories are of interest, the limitations of prospective diaries in terms of cost, compliance, attrition and power must be carefully weighed against the potentially decreased reliability of questionnaire data.

Biomonitoring of estrogen and melatonin metabolites among women residing near radio and television broadcasting transmitters.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolites of estrogen (estrone-3-glucuronide [E1G]) and melatonin (6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate [6-OHMS]) were characterized among women living in a community with increased radiofrequency (RF) exposure from radio and television transmitters. METHODS: RF spot measurements, and personal 60-Hz magnetic field and residential parameters were collected. Overnight urine samples were assayed for E1G and 6-OHMS excretion. RESULTS: Among premenopausal women, there were no associations between RF or 60-Hz nonionizing radiation and E1G or 6-OHMS excretion. Among postmenopausal women, increased residential RF exposures, transmitter proximity and visibility, and temporally stable 60-Hz exposures were significantly associated with increased E1G excretion. This association was strongest among postmenopausal women with low overnight 6-OHMS levels. CONCLUSIONS: RF and temporally stable 60-Hz exposures were associated with increased E1G excretion among postmenopausal women. Women with reduced nocturnal 6-OHMS excretion may represent a sensitive subgroup.