Pam Factor-Litvak, PhD

Along with an interdisciplinary group of scientists including dental scientists, toxicologists, neuropsychologists and neurologists, Dr. Factor-Litvak is studying the associations between inorganic mercury exposure, derived from dental restorations, and neurological and neuropsychological function in a large group of adults. This study is the first large epidemiological investigation of the health effects of dental amalgams and is of great public health significance since policy decisions are likely to be based on these data. Dr. Factor-Litvak also studies the effects of exposure to lead on pregnancy outcomes and childhood development. As part of multi-disciplinary team of the Yugoslavia Pb study, she has focused on the effects of lead on childhood growth, development, and blood pressure and renal function. Small adverse associations have been found in this (and other cohorts); this cohort is currently being followed to determine the persistence of these associations. Environmental contaminants are currently of interest in the study of infertility and other impediments to normal reproduction. As the epidemiologist for the National Reproductive Medical Network, a collaborative effort of 8 sites across the country, Dr. Factor-Litvak is exploring associations between environmental exposures and outcomes such as response to treatment for infertility, semen parameters, ectopic pregnancy and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Dr. Factor-Litvak's other interests are in the development of epidemiological methods important for environmental studies, such as missing data on exposure and outcome, biased selection of study subjects and the extrapolation of data from ecologic studies to individuals.