Children worldwide are having more respiratory problems, such as wheezing and asthma. In California, an estimated 1.8 million people (1 in 20) have asthma, including a half million children. Although reasons for these trends are not well understood, environmental factors are thought to be important.
There is surprisingly little information about the respiratory health and environmental exposures of children in California. Currently, several studies are being conducted in the US, including one in Southern California. However, this is the first study of this kind in Northern California. The focus of this study is the examination of outdoor air pollution and children's respiratory health.
We are inviting 3rd, 4th, and possibly 5th graders from ten schools between Oakland and Fremont to participate. The study will include: 1. Air pollution monitoring at the school site, and 2. Questionnaire on respiratory health and the child's environment, to be completed by the parents/legal guardians at home and returned to us.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) link for more details.