November 12, 1999

KU Medical Center Asks for Volunteers from Sedan to Participate in A

Respiratory Health Medical Evaluation for the Southeast Kansas Health Study

 

KUMC researchers need more people from the City of

Sedan to participate in the respiratory health evaluation.

KANSAS CITY, KAN. —Researchers at The University of Kansas Medical Center are asking for volunteers from the City of Sedan to participate in a one-year respiratory health medical evaluation as part of the Southeast Kansas Health Study.  Commissioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and being carried out by KU Medical Center, the study will investigate possible health effects related to the operation of four commercial hazardous waste burners and other sources of emissions located in Chanute, Coffeyville, Fredonia, and Independence.  Sedan has agreed to serve as the study’s control community.   

“The study’s design calls for 250 individuals--50 from each of the five communities--who have a  history of asthma, emphysema, or wheezing, to participate in the evaluation,” explains H. William Barkman, M.D., principal investigator of the study and director of the Center for Environmental and Occupational Health  at KU Medical Center.   “We did not reach that goal in Sedan,” he points out, “so, we’re asking residents who meet the criteria to volunteer for the evaluation.”  

Criteria for volunteers include adults living within the city limits of Sedan, who have a history of asthma or emphysema, as diagnosed by a doctor, or a history of wheezing.  Volunteers will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire if they have not already done so, read and sign two consent forms, and complete a brief health history.  The respiratory health medical evaluation consists of a pulmonary function test and a brief physical examination by a doctor who will check the volunteer’s blood pressure, heart, and lungs.  The evaluation will take place once at the beginning of the data collection year (November 1999) and again at the end of the year (October 2000).   

Volunteers who are interested in participating in the evaluation may contact the project team at its toll-free number, 877/511-2167.

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