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Little
Hocking Area C8 Study -- Environmental
Justice Partnership Funded by: the
National Institute of Environmental |
Selection of Participants
A sample of 326 residents from 160 households in the LHWA district were studied. Participants must have lived in the district for a minimum of two years. No children under the age of four were accepted in the sample, nor anyone with a bleeding disorder. Questionnaires were administered by a nurse and blood samples drawn by a nurse or a phlebotomist. In order to assure statistical validity, this study did not accept volunteers. However, shortly after the original study, 56 volunteers were accepted for a separate but similar study.
Feedback of Biomonitoring Results to Participants
All participants have been informed in writing of the results of their individual C8 levels, blood chemistry and hematological results, together with any necessary explanation. In addition, each participant will receive a summary of the final results. Dr. Zhang and/or Dr. Rodway are available to answer any questions from participants about their personal findings or from the public about general survey results.
Confidentiality of Information
All individual data, including the identity of participants, questionnaire responses, and test results will be kept confidential. Results of individual data will not be released to anyone other than the individual unless that individual gives specific consent. In order to protect against misuse of the study data, a Certificate of Confidentiality has been obtained for this research. Certificates of Confidentiality are issued by the National Institutes of Health to protect the privacy of research subjects.
A Certificate of Confidentiality authorizes withholding the names and other identifying characteristics of individuals who participate as subjects in the research project specified in the Certificate. This authorization applies to all persons who, in the performance of their duties in connection with the research project, have access to information which would identify the subjects of that research. Persons so authorized may not, at any time, be compelled to provide the names or other identifying characteristics of the research subjects encompassed by the Certificate in any Federal, State, or local civil, criminal, administrative, legislative or other proceedings. The Certificate must be in effect at the time of subject participation for the information to be protected. However, when this condition is met the information is protected permanently. Dr Emmett said that this certificate will prevent information on individuals, collected as part of the study, being disclosed without the subjects consent. This protection will even extend to protect against information being released through a subpoena. This is the highest degree of confidentiality available.
Links to other sites for further information on C8:
EPA PFOA Investigation Information
Environmental Working Group on C8 and related chemicals
Little Hocking Water Association