1. Activity: Epidemiology and Research of Poisonings

2. Project Leader: Zdravko Vassilev, MD, MPH; zvassilev@njpies.org

3. Other Faculty: Steven Marcus, MD; smarcus@njpies.org

4. Brief statement of Mission and/or Vision:

To provide epidemiologic expertise for the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) including study conceptualization and design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination. In particular, to conduct poison-related research and various data analyses for the purpose of poison surveillance and prevention.

5. Specifics about activity:

A. Design and conduct epidemiologic investigations to identify population groups that over and underutilize the services provided by NJPIES in order to �tailor� appropriate educational activities.

B. Coordinate efforts for ongoing data collection and surveillance of reported poisonings and disseminate findings through oral presentations and scientific manuscripts. Design and develop a real-time surveillance system for detection of poisoning outbreaks (food poisonings, medical errors, adverse reactions, etc.).

C. Conduct epidemiologic research to identify age groups that may be more susceptible to specific types of poisonings so adequate strategies for education and prevention activities can be tailored. Support and evaluate the ongoing educational efforts for poison prevention.

D. Identify and investigate unusual cases of poisonings by conducting field epidemiology and analyses. Develop capacity for tracking specific geographic and temporal patterns of poisonings and identify the potential causative or protective factors for the observed changes.

6. Publications:

1. Vassilev, Z.P., Marcus, S.M, Ayyanathan, K., Ciuffo, V., Bogden, J.D., Kemp, F.W., Ruck, B., Jennis, T., Jani, N., Halperin, W. (2005). Case of Elevated Blood Lead in a South Asisan Family that has Used Sindoor for Food Coloring. Journal of Toxicology Clinical Toxicology . 43(5); In press.

2. Vassilev, Z.P., Marcus, S.M. (2005). Seasonal Changes in Poisoning Exposures Reported to a Regional Poison Center from Coastal Resort Areas. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A . 66(20):1905-1908.

3. Vassilev, Z.P . , Marcus, S. (2004). Adverse Interactions with Antiretroviral Agents: Focus on Recreational and Addiction Drugs. The AIDS Reader .14(2):96.

4. Vassilev, Z.P., Marcus, S. (2004). Paintball Injuries in Children: The Cases Managed out of Hospitals. Pediatrics . 113(5):1468.

5. Vassilev, Z.P., Marcus, S., Jennis, T., Ruck, B., Rego, G., Swenson, R., Halperin, W. (2004). Trends in Major Types of Poisoning Exposures in Children Reported to a Regional Poison Control Center, 1994-2001. Clinical Pediatrics. 43(6):573-576.

6. Vassilev, Z.P., Marcus, S., Jennis, T., Ruck, B., Rego, G., Swenson, R., Halperin, W. (2004). Trends in Age-Specific Human Poisoning Exposures Reported to a Regional Poison Control Center, 1997-2001. Veterinary and Human Toxicology . 46(1):39-42.

7. Vassilev, Z.P., Marcus, S., Jennis, T., Ruck, B., Swenson, R., Rego, G. (2003). Socio-Demographic Differences Between Counties with High and Low Utilization of a Regional Poison Control Center. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A . 66(20):1905-1908

7. Opportunities for students:

Opportunities are available for students to work on current and future epidemiological investigations involving poisonings as well as outreach and educational efforts. Financial support is limited to federal work-study positions. Contact Dr. Vassilev at zvassilev@njpies.org .

8. Opportunities for volunteers:

Opportunities are available for volunteers to work with Dr. Vassilev and staff of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System. Volunteers should contact Dr. Vassilev at: zvassilev@njpies.org

Date revised: 3/30/05