Northport Resident Health Questionnaires
What is the Community Health Questionnaire?
Jamie Paparich, with the assistance of CCC and residents in the Northport community, began distributing health questionnaires to current and past residents of Northport, WA in 2009. The questionnaires were distributed because of concerns about health influences from heavy metal and other toxic discharges from the Teck smelter over time. Jamie continues to receive requests for questionnaires, as well as completed questionnaires, weekly and would be happy to hear from any current or previous Northport residents who wish to contribute information or complete a questionnaire (paparichj@live.com). You can also download a questionnaire at: http://cleancolumbia.org/documents/health_questionnaire_northport_fv2.pdf
Explanation of Data in Summary:
The completed confidential questionnaires are from residents living in the area during the period 1925 to 2010.
I summarized the information for 3 generations of residents likely exposed to different amounts of chemicals as changes (e.g., spills, weather, and planned reductions) occurred in the discharge type and amount over time. I also had concerns about the possibility of genetic mutations occurring to second generation residents whose exposures have occurred since conception, despite living in the area for a shorter time then 1st generation residents. Finally, the high percentage of children born to at least one 2nd generation resident reporting early-onset thyroid disease and arthritis despite never living in or around the area encouraged me to follow the 3rd generation.
The generations are defined as follows:
1st Generation: Born or living in Northport since 1925 – Current
2nd Generation: Born or living in Northport since 1942 -The majority of this generation (born in 1942-1958) lived in the area for about 18 to 20 years.
3rd Generation: Born or living in Northport since 1970
“3B” Generation: Children born to at least one parent from the 2nd Generation; most were not born or ever lived in the area.
My observations and thoughts are indicated by two asterixis in the health issues sections.
General population (GP) prevalence estimates for these illnesses are provided in brackets.
Northport Population (NPP): From 1925 -2010, the population has remained stable at approximately 375 people. This includes the 5-7 mile radius surrounding the town.
Health Issues: Information on health concerns was requested using a checklist of specific categories of illness chosen because of personal reports to me, as well as research done on the potential influence of chronic exposure to heavy metal toxins (arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, manganese, mercury) released by lead & zinc smelters. Participants could also list any additional health issues that were not covered by the listed choices. Health issues are listed here in order of frequency
Health Questionnaires: Over 500 health questionnaires were mailed to 3 generations of past and present Northport residents in 2008. 353 questionnaires have been completed and returned.
SUMMARY OF TOP HEALTH ISSUES
Thyroid/Endocrine Disorders:
116 respondents (NPP : 36%) – [GP : 6%]
Generations impacted: 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 3B
Arthritis:
127 respondents (NPP : 40%) – [GP : .30%]
Generations impacted: 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 3B
Cancers: (colon, stomach, prostate, uterine, lung, skin, breast, kidney, throat, and bladder)
65 respondents (NPP : 20%)
Generations Impacted: 1st & 2nd
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)/Crohn’s Disease:
54 respondents (NPP : 17% – Crohn’s:18/UC:36) – [GP : 7-11/100,000]
Generations impacted: 2nd & 3rd
Brain Aneurisms/Tumors:
23 respondents (NPP : 7%) – [GP : %]
Generations impacted: 1st & 2nd
Pulmonary Embolism:
8 respondents (NP : 3%) – [GP : %]
Generation impacted: 2nd
Parkinson’s/Multiple Scoliosis (MS):
13 respondents (NPP : 4% – 7 cases Parkinson’s / 6 cases MS) – [GP: .1%/<1%]
Generations impacted: 1st & 2nd
Summary of the Northport Resident Health Questionnaires
Posted by Deborah C Hendrickson on February 6, 2011 at 2:00 pm
I was very excited to find this site, as I have been a resident of the Northport area ( 4 miles S.E.)since September 2001. I was officially diagnosed with IBD in 1997 where it was assumed it was a residual symptom related to an almost deadly bout with viral encephalitis I had acquired in 1990.(It was presumed I had acquired the encephalitis from a mosquito bite) I then moved to Carson City, Nevada.Another area well known for its mining economy, where I went from a healthy 158 lb horse trainer to a 104 lb weakling before the Doctors there in Nevada, finally gave me a diagnosis of IBD/Crohns disease.( I had no health insurance at the time) so It took almost 12 months and my life before they hit upon the drug, Asacol, where 8 daily doses of 8-400 mg pills finally got the disease in remission. Since moving to Northport in 2001 I have had many flares of the disease sometimes up to 4-6 times a year, which as I am sure your aware is very debilitating in more ways than one.
I am interested in participating in the medical study and can be reached at xenaqueen1@hughes.net Thank-you for all your hard work