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Methods of assessing neurobehavioral development in children exposed to methyl parathion in Mississippi and Ohio
Perri Zeitz1, Kirsten Kakolewski, Rubina Imtiaz
1Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Health Studies, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta Georgia, USA. afp4@cdc.gov
Insights
This study assessed neurobehavioral development in children exposed to the organophosphate pesticide methyl parathion (MP). Researchers used the Pediatric Environmental Neurobehavioral Test Battery (PENTB) to evaluate cognitive, motor, sensory, and affect domains.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Illegal spraying of methyl parathion (MP), an organophosphate pesticide, occurred in Mississippi and Ohio residences and businesses.
- Organophosphate exposure is a concern for child neurodevelopment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between methyl parathion (MP) exposure and neurobehavioral development in young children.
- To establish exposure levels using urinary p-nitrophenol (PNP) and environmental wipe samples.
Main Methods:
- Children aged 6 years or younger were assessed using the Pediatric Environmental Neurobehavioral Test Battery (PENTB).
- PENTB includes parent interviews, questionnaires, and performance-based neurobehavioral tests.
- Exposure was defined by urinary PNP levels (≥100 ppb) or environmental MP levels (≥150 µg/100 cm² in MS, ≥132.9 µg/100 cm² in OH).
Main Results:
- Data collection occurred in summer 1999 (Year 1) and summer 2000 (Year 2).
- Results of data analyses for both years will be presented separately.
Conclusions:
- This study provides a methodological framework for assessing MP exposure and its impact on child neurobehavior.
- Further publications will detail the findings on the association between MP exposure and neurobehavioral outcomes.
Abstract:
Methyl parathion (MP), an organophosphate pesticide, was sprayed illegally for pest control in U.S. residences and businesses in Mississippi and Ohio. To evaluate the association between MP exposure and neurobehavioral development, children 6 years of age or younger at the time of the spraying and local comparison groups of unexposed children were assessed using the pediatric environmental neurobehavioral test battery (PENTB). The PENTB is composed of informant-based procedures (parent interview and questionnaires) and performance-based procedures (neurobehavioral tests for children 4 years of age or older) that evaluate each of the four broad domains (cognitive, motor, sensory, and affect) essential to neurobehavioral assessment. Children were classified as exposed or unexposed using urinary p-nitrophenol (PNP) levels and environmental wipe samples for MP. Exposure was defined as a urinary PNP level of greater than or equal to 100 ppb for the child or any other individual living in the household. Environmental wipe sample levels of greater than or equal to 150 g MP/100 cm2 and greater than or equal to 132.9 g MP/100 cm2 were used to define MP exposure for children living in Mississippi and Ohio, respectively. The PENTB was first administered in summer 1999 (year 1). The PENTB was readministered in summer 2000 (year 2) to children who participated in year 1 of the study. A description of the methods used in the study are presented. Results of data analyses for both years of the study will be presented in a separate publication.
