Report gives Nevada C grade in preventing, tracking birth defects

Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002 | 9:06 a.m.

Nevada is in the middle of the pack when it comes to tracking and preventing birth defects, the No. 1 cause of infant deaths in the United States, according to report released today.

Nevada, which earned a C on the Trust for America's Health and March of Dimes report, is among 34 states that does not explore links between environmental exposures and birth defects, Trust Executive Director Shelley Hearne said.

"Our report shows we lack the most basic tool for preventing birth defects -- information," Hearne said.

Eight states received an A ranking, and seven states, in addition to Washington, D.C., got an F.

Nevada's disease-tracking program covers urban areas such as Las Vegas and Reno but neglects rural areas. However, the state, with federal help, is investigating 15 cases of childhood leukemia in Fallon, a rural community 60 miles east of Reno. So far, no link has been found.

The Nevada State Health Division disagrees with the way the report ranked the states, said spokesman John Flamm, who said the state is planning to improve its tracking system, he said.

In testimony at a congressional hearing in April 2001, experts said the United States needs a national process for collecting information on possible environmental impacts that could cause disease.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., agreed at that hearing to seek legislation for a uniform tracking system for illnesses, including birth defects.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not established minimum national standards for tracking the cause of birth defects.