At Love Canal, as with other toxic exposure situations, plans for long-term health follow-up of exposed populations have been considered. Discuss the epidemiologic pros and cons of such an undertaking in the Love Canal setting and describe what you think would be a reasonable approach. Consider:
Definition of Canal exposure: Objective criteria for exposure are needed, blood levels of dioxin could be used or more refined geographic modelling.
Selection of health conditions to be monitored: Whatever conditions are decided upon, case definitions, diagnostic criteria and verification steps must be undertaken
Competing risk factors: Tobacco, alcohol, diet, SES, occupation, medications, family history
Sample size: Power calculation should be performed.
Administrative arrangements
Cost
Ethics
A reasonable study approach might be to identify the population, establish a registry, try to assess potential for exposure to canal wastes and monitor health outcomes periodically. Back to top