Document 3NoKQKj55v70KjJMRBz467XGa

MEMORANDUM SUBJECT: Epidemiologic Investigation of'Birth Defects in Oregon FROM: Martin P. Halper, Director Survey and Analysis Division (TS-793) TO: Edwin Johnson Deputy Assistant Administrator. for Office of Pesticides Programs THRU: Marilyn C. Bracker)/' C' Deputy Assistant Administrator for Office of Program Integration and Information (TS-793) The Survey and Analysis Division (SAD) recently received the attached proposal from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)_t Center is proposing that OPTS support an epidemiologic retrospective matched case control investigation in w e s t e r n Oregon. The object of this endeavor would be to determine whether parental exposure to aerial herbicide application is associated with the birth of infants having central nervous system (CNS) defects. Th This proposal was the result of a preliminary assessment of the situation by CDC' personnel after they were contacted by Oregon physicians and other concerned citizens in the area. C D C 1s review of data amassed through their National Birth Defects Monitoring Program indicated that there were increases in rates of certain CNS birth defects between 1970 and 1979. Specifically, 8 cases of anencephaly w e r e .observed with 4 expected; .16 cases' of hydrocephaly were observed with 10 expected.