There was one in my home town; there is also a high rate of Crohn's in my home town, but I always thought the high incidence of Crohn's was due to a small gene pool.
My research at present suggests that dioxins (such as TCDD) and genetics (CYP genes such as CYP1A1) play a role.
A recent study found that TCDD suppressed inflammation by activating the AhR receptors. My interest is around how gene mutations from TCDD effect us long-term, and asks, do we build up dependence from PCB's and TCDD? And following a sharp decline in environmental TCDD exposure, such as moving away from the contamination site, do we experience CD activation as a result?
The age of the participants in this poll is of interest because in 2002, the EPA became more proactive in regulating the industry.
The paper mill I grew up near was found to have released 1.3 million pounds of TCDD into the environment in 2002. The amount was so large that it accounted for practically ALL the dioxin releases for the entire pulp & paper industry that year. Since I grew up near this plant in the 80's, only god knows what was released and of what volume dyring my childhood! What I do know is most of my neighborhood friends who also moved away, now experience issues similar to me. And in one case a friend and his other three siblings battle with CD related problems, supporting the genetic relationship.
In summary, I'd like to add that EPA reports are not of much use for many because there seems to be little TCDD data available prior to 2002/2006. The recent reports
do help identify the environmentally irresponsible, however.
The report relative to my situation:
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/304m/upload/2006_12_27_guide_304m_2006_pulp-final.pdf
Thanks again for the input.
