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Education: B.A
University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
M.S. University of
Illinois, Urbana, IL
Ph.D.
NC Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill, N.C.
General Research Goals
Using the techniques of genetic toxicology and molecular biology conduct studies
that will characterize environmental agents that may be carcinogenic, mutagenic
or teratogenic. The overall goal is to modify or eliminate substances, such as
industrial compounds that pose a threat to human health.
An
additional major goal is to work with communities that are potential victims of
chemical exposure. Organizing communities, exposure analysis, evaluation of
health effects, and working toward a just solution are all part of this
project.
Ongoing Research
Long Term Genetic Effects of Ritalin Therapy
This study is a
follow up to the Government study that indicated Ritalin to be carcinogenic in
mice but not rats (standard two year cancer bioassay study). The methodology
includes cytogenetic evaluation of children just prior to Ritalin therapy and at
selected intervals following therapy. Chromosome studies including fluorescent
in-situ hybridization, and telomere analysis are carried out. This study
capitalizes on the relationship between chromosome damaging agents and
carcinogens.
We have previously identified the
glycol ethers to be human teratogens. In addition to inducing chromosome
aberrations, this class of agents alters the length of telomers and produces
characteristic dysmorphic features. Identification of the specific class of
agents that are teratogenic and identifying the dose range for induction of
these specific advesrse health effectsl are presently under study.
The etiology of autism in children
has yet to be identied with any degree of certainly. We have obtained deciduous
teeth from autistic children as well as from a control group to determine if
mercury may be one of the factors involved in the disease process. The levels
of mercury in the dentyne level of deciduous teeth in autistic and non-autistic
children are being analyzed.
A broad based community
outreach program is a ongoing project of the division. We attempt to help
communities who are exposed to chemicals by providing a handbook (Chemical
Alert), helping to organize the community and carrying specific projects to
determine chemical exposure and resultant health effects on the community.
Recent
Publications
Legator, M.S.
DBCP [letter]. Int J Occup Environ Health 5(3):
241, 1999.
Legator, M.S.,
Singleton, C.R., Morris, D.L., Philips, D.L. Health effects from chronic
low-level exposure to hydrogen sulfide. Archives of Environmental Health.
56(2):123-31, 2001.
Paolini, M., Abdel-Rahman,
S.Z., Cantelli-Forti, G., Legator, M.S. Chemoprevention or antichemoprevention ? A salutary warning from the beta-carotene experience. J.
Natl. Cancer Inst. 93, 1110-1111, 2001.
Paolini M., Abdel-Rahman SZ, Sapone A, Pedulli GF,
perocco P, Cantelli-Forti G and Legator M.S. (2003) Beta-carotene: a cancer chemopreventive agent or a
co-carcinogen? Mutat. Res. 543,
195-200.
El-Zein RA. Abdel-Rahman SZ. Morris DL.
Legator MS. Exposure to ethylene glycol monomethyl ether: clinical and
cytogenetic findings. Archives of
Environmental Health. 57(4):371-6, 2002
Honors
1965 U.S.
Government Award ‑ Technique Advance in Cell Culture
1969 Co-Founder of the Environmental Mutagen Society
1970 Genetic
Society Award for Contribution to Human Health
1971 F.D.A.
Award of Merit
1971 IARC
Committee
1976‑1982 Food Safety
Council
1980 Visiting
Scholar Award at University of Wisconsin
1980 Nominated for Distinguished Faculty Research Award
1980-1990 Founder and Editor of Journal
“Teratogenesis Carcinogenesis
and Mutagenesis”
1983 Honorary
Health Advocate Award
1991, 1992 Environmental
Health Network National Award
1992 Certificate in "Appreciation
for Outstanding Service to The Office
Exploratory Research”
1994 Alexander Hollaender Award
1994 Elected
A Ramazzini Fellow |
PMCH