Abstract
Initial studies of children living near the hazardous waste site, Love Canal, showed that several health problems and low birthweight were more prevalent compared to control children. To determine whether growth was affected by exposure to environmental toxins, stature for age and weight for age percentiles (SAPR and WAPR) were determined for 493 Love Canal and 428 control children. For prepubertal children, a dose-response effect was seen with longer exposure associated with greater decreases in SAPR and WAPR. Those born and spending at least 75% of their lives in the Love Canal area were most affected: SAPR was 46.6 ± SE 2.2 for exposed compared to 53.0 ± 1.0 for controls (p=0.004) and WAPR was 50.1 ± SE 2.2 for exposed compared to 54.0 ± 1.0 for controls (p=0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that white and black males and black females were most affected. The difference in stature could not be accounted for by differences in mid-parent stature, socioeconomic class, nutrition, birthweight, or chronic illness leaving exposure to the Love Canal area as the most likely cause. Differences seen in prepubertal children were not seen in pubertal children nor in parents who grew up in the Love Canal area suggesting a possible cohort effect. We conclude that anthropometric measures are valid and sensitive tools in assessing health impact of hazardous waste sites on children.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Goldman, L., Magnant, M. & Paigen, B. ABNORMAL ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURES IN CHILDREN EX-POSED TO ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 183 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00541
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00541