THE EFFECT OF DIOXIN ON LOW BIRTH WEIGHT IN SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA BETWEEN 1955 – 1969

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe effect of low birth weight as a result of dioxin-based exposure has been investigated through the existing literature, but the debate on exact point source and production is still debated. The Monsanto factory located in Nitro, West Virginia produced Agent Orange from 1948 – 1969.MethodsThe vital statistics registry from the state of West Virginia of Kanawha county and Putnam county West Virginia. The production of dioxin and 2-4-5T was obtained from the legal files from (Civil Action No. 04-C-465) and the expert witness of Dr. Bruce Bell. In order to understand this relationship a time series analysis was conducted to compare 2-4-5T and dioxin and low-birthweight in Kanawha County and Putnam County, West Virginia.ResultsThe results suggest dioxin within Kanawha county had a suggestive relationship associated with dioxin production and low birthweight from 1948-1969 had a suggestive relationship of (p= 0.042). The comparison county of Putnam had no statistically significant relationship between low birthweight and dioxin production (p= 0.203). Agent Orange (2-4-5t) was also considered and measured within the counties of Kanawha and Putnam Counties, within these two counties no statistically significant relationship was observed.ConclusionsIn conclusion the association between dioxin and low birthweight still requires more research but this analysis illustrates that there appears to be a suggestive relationship that exists within Kanawha County, West Virginia as related to the production of and effect of the by-product of dioxin.