[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 229 (Friday, November 28, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 63364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31237]



[[Page 63364]]

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PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE


National Toxicology Program (NTP); National Institute of 
Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS); Notice of Workshop on Strategies 
for Assessing the Implications of Malformed Frogs for Environmental 
Health

    The Workshops will be held in the Conference Center, Building 101, 
South Campus, NIEHS, 111 Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, North 
Carolina 27709, on December 4-5, 1997, from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 
5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th and approximately 8:30 a.m. to 12 
noon on Friday, December 5th.

Background

    Over the last few years increasing numbers of malformed frogs have 
been reported in numerous states, across southern Canada, and in Japan. 
Early in 1997 the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requested 
the assistance of the National Institute of Environmental Health 
Sciences, National Institutes of Health, and the National Toxicology 
Program with their investigation into the cause of the frog 
malformations occurring across Minnesota. A research plan has been 
implemented to determine whether there is a site-specific correlation 
between the malformations and contaminants determined by chemical 
analysis of water and sediment, laboratory bioassays, and field 
monitoring of frog populations. The causal factors have not yet been 
determined. However, evidence to date indicates that pond water and 
groundwater from affected sites are capable of producing frog embryo 
deformities in the laboratory.

Workshop Goals

     Review NIEHS/NTP findings and strategies for future study
     Assess the implications of NIEHS/MPCA and related findings 
for human and ecological health
     Provide an opportunity for discussion, input and 
perspective from the broader scientific community, industry, Federal, 
state, and local government officials, and the public

Workshop Topics

     Overview of Frog Deformities (Historical Perspective; 
Geographic Extent and Incidence; Affected State Perspectives; Possible 
Environmental Causes)
     Minnesota/NIEHS Cooperative Research Efforts
     Environmental Chemistry and Hydrogeology
     Ecological Health Issues: Human Health Issues; Monitoring 
Strategies (Federal and State)
     Future Directions
    Invited speakers will address the topics listed above. Time will be 
provided for open discussion and comment.
    Public Participation Encouraged and Welcome: The entire meeting 
will be open to the public with attendance limited only by space 
available.
    To Register: Please provide the following information by mail or 
fax, or E-mail: Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial; Institution, 
Department, Title; Address, City, State/County, Zip Code; Daytime 
Phone, FAX Number, E-Mail Address. Forward to: NTP Liaison Office, P.O. 
Box 12233, MD: A3-01, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA 
[Tel: (919) 541-0530; FAX (919) 541-0295, E-mail: 
[email protected].
    For further information, including a tentative agenda, contact the 
NTP Liaison Office as shown above.

    Dated: November 13, 1997.
Samuel H. Wilson,
Deputy Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
[FR Doc. 97-31237 Filed 11-26-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-M