WMOA News

Area Families Invited to Participate in Child Study on Air Quality Effects

Posted on: 10/04/2012

The Communities Actively Researching Exposure Study (CARES), is preparing to wrap up its first round of testing of area children.

The purpose of CARES is to determine the effects of air quality on child development. CARES is still accepting new participants this fall. A total of 388 participants are currently enrolled in the study. The group would like to study a minimum of 400 children.

“We want to give every child in Washington and Wood County who is 7, 8, and 9 years old an opportunity to be involved in the research,” says Erin Haynes, Doctor of Public Health “We are in the final stages of enrollment.”

Participating families will receive $125. To be eligible, children must be 7, 8 or 9, a lifelong resident of Washington or Wood Country, and the child’s mother must have resided in the community while pregnant with the child.

Research takes place at the Marietta College Center for Families and Children, and involves several fun activities to test the child’s ability to learn and coordinate movements. Biological measurements are also collected at the Center. Environmental samples—air, water and soil samples—are collected from the child’s home.

Families are encouraged to contact study coordinator Jody Alden soon by calling toll-free 1-866-247-3305 to schedule an appointment.

CARES is a collaboration among University of Cincinnati Environmental Health researcher Dr. Haynes, Marietta College, Neighbors for Clean Air of Washington County, Marietta City Schools and health department officials.

Research like the CARES study may directly shape national environmental and public health policy and comes as part of a surge in nationwide attention on the effects of air quality on children’s health.