Date Available

12-7-2011

Year of Publication

2008

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Document Type

Thesis

College

Agriculture

Department

Nutrition and Food Science

First Advisor

Dr. Lisa M. Gaetke

Abstract

The National Electric Coil Company/Cooper Industries, Inc. plant in Harlan County, Kentucky was a mining support operation primarily engaged in the cleaning and repair of mining equipment from 1951 to 1987. Trichloroethylene (TCE) and degradation byproducts, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and vinyl chloride were released into the areas surrounding the plant periodically for decades. Routine water sampling of area wells by the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water revealed significant levels of TCE, PCBs, and vinyl chloride. The toxicology of these chemicals implicates various systems, including cardiovascular, dermal, endocrine, and neurological.

University of Kentucky’s Superfund Basic Research Program’s (UK-SBRP) biomedical research is based on the premise that nutrition can modulate the effects of Superfund contaminants. In this study, the Community Outreach Core developed and delivered nutrition education programs to community members to address three issues: reduce total dietary fat, increase omega-3 fat, and increase dietary fiber. Initial efforts revealed the need for a holistic approach to identify and build trust with community members before programs could be presented. Results from informal discussions, qualitative assessments, and 24-hour dietary recalls using 2007 Nutrient Data System for Research were used to measure specific outcomes; increased knowledge, improved attitudes, and dietary behavior changes.

Included in

Nutrition Commons

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