Project Summary (1995-2000)

The objective of this case-control study is to investigate the relationship between environmental exposures and the risk of childhood leukemia, utilizing molecular biology techniques to characterize the presence of genetic changes as well as the possible effect of modifiers (tobacco smoke, diet, etc.), and to estimate the critical time of exposure. Clusters of childhood leukemia commonly occur around hazardous facilities including Superfund sites. Presently very little is known about the causes of childhood leukemia and what environmental exposures may cause this disease. Genetic damage may be inherited, may occur in utero, or may occur after birth. Exposure to environmental carcinogens during any of these intervals is suspected to cause detrimental genetic change.