THREATS IN THE GREAT LAKES
ARE CHEMICALS REALLY THE CAUSE?

MR. MICHAEL GILBERTSONOctober 16, 2001

Have our bodies become contaminated with industrial chemicals? Are we suffering the ill-effects? If so, what can we do about it?

As the first scientist to document effects of contaminants on Great Lakes herring gulls, biologist Michael Gilbertson raised concerns about the hazards of toxic chemicals in the Great Lakes basin. His findings showed not only widespread contamination but also resulting damage to other wildlife populations. Being concerned that what has occurred in wildlife may be occurring in children, he has been working on human health statistics for impacted communities in the Great Lakes basin for the past three years.

Mr. Gilbertson earned his Master of Science Degree in Ecology from Queens University in Belfast, Ireland, and moved to Canada in 1969. After working with Environment Canada and later the Canadian Wildlife Service, he joined the International Joint Commission, in 1988, as a Physical Science Officer. Much of his present work is involved with helping scientists translate their findings into information that is accessible to other scientists, to politicians and to the general public.

DIOXINARE WE ALL AT RISK?

DR. LINDA S. BIRNBAUMDecember 5, 2001

Dioxin has been called one of the most dangerous chemicals ever known. Purging uncertainties and clarifying myths about dioxin, Dr. Birnbaum will discuss dioxin in generalwhere it comes from, how we interact with itand specifically, its staggering impact on human health. She will also talk about dioxin effects in the Great Lakes.

Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum serves as lead scientist and director of health research in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) dioxin reassessment.

She is currently Director of the Experimental Toxicology Division, and Acting Director of the Human Studies Division, at the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA. Dr. Birnbaum received her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana in 1972, with a minor in Biochemistry.

HIDDEN IMPACTS OF PESTICIDESARE THEY OCCURRING HERE?

In independent research, the Guillettes have shown that pesticides can undermine intelligence, impact behavior, and diminish reproductive capacity. The sobering fact is that these deficits occur without any obvious signs of poisoning.

Lessons from the Swamp

DR. LOUIS J. GUILLETTEFebruary 6, 2002

The lakes of central Florida have received contaminated run-off for decades. In 1980, a pesticide spill further contaminated Florida's Lake Apopka. During the 1990s, Dr. Louis Guillette and his colleagues discovered serious developmental deformities in the lake's alligators and fish. His discovery and ensuing work has shown that the lake's contaminants alter normal embryonic development. He has begun to understand how complex mixtures of pesticides affect environmental health of freshwater ecosystems.

Dr. Louis J. Guillette is a Professor of Zoology at the University of Florida. He earned his undergraduate degree from New Mexico Highlands University and his Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He reviews grants for the National Geographic Society, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, NATO, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

From the Swamp to the
Great Waters

DR. ELIZABETH A. GUILLETTEFebruary 6, 2002

Children from two similar towns nestled in the Yaqui Valley, one of Mexico's largest agricultural areas, demonstrate startlingly different neurological capabilities. Dr. Elizabeth Guillette's ground-breaking work shows pesticide exposures account for the diminished abilities of one groupthe children lack energy, are saddled with significant learning disabilities, and have coordination problems. Many of the pesticides used in this area are in use throughout the United States and Canada.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Guillette is known for her anthropological interpretations regarding the interplay between contaminants, human health, and society. She received her Masters in Nursing Education in 1963 from the University of Rochester. She earned her Ph.D. in Applied Anthropology from the University of Florida in 1992. She is currently a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Universities, and a Visiting Professor, Interdepartmental Honors, at the University of Florida.

INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT IN
MICHIGAN CHILDREN FROM
PCBCONTAMINATED FOOD

DR. JOSEPH JACOBSON April 10, 2002

"Significant and enduring" describes the problems occurring in children contaminated with PCBs. Once used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment, PCBs polychlorinated biphenylshave settled into the food web from whence they find their way into embryos, infants and others. Measurable quantities of PCBs circulate throughout Michigan.

Dr. Joseph Jacobson and his collaborator, Sandra Jacobson, have been investigating the impacts of environmental contaminants in the Great Lakes for the past 20 years. Based on their findings, Dr. Jacobson will discuss how PCBs, an industrial pollutant, can move into the womb and influence the developing baby, leading to changes in a child's general IQ level, verbal skills, capacity to pay attention, reading comprehension, and physical coordination.

Dr. Jacobson's work focuses on developmental psychologythe study of physical, cognitive, and social changes from conception to deathand looks at how our ever-changing environment can influence behavior. He is a Developmental Psychology Professor and Chair of Psychology at Wayne State University.