In an effort to identify genetic and environmental factors that impact the health of American children, the National Children's Study is recruiting pregnant women in New York and North Carolina, and in April will broaden out to parts of California, Pennsylvania, Utah, South Dakota and Minnesota, in an effort to encompass the whole of American youth.
The study hopes to find out if environmental factors play a part in childhood disease and birth defects. As foundations for many adult health concerns are laid in childhood, it is hoped that data from this survey will provide answers.
In addition, scientists will study the differences between groups of people in terms of their health care access and disease occurrence so that any disparities found can be addressed.
"We are embarking on the road to discovering the preventable causes of the major chronic diseases that plague American children today," said Dr. Landrigan, one of the lead researchers.
Genetics, Environment and Health
Samples of blood, hair and urine will be given by participants. Their homes will also be monitored by water testing and examination of existing dust. Health interviews will be done during the term of the pregnancy , and when the baby is born, periodic exams and home environment checks will be conducted in the first year. Thereafter, the child will be checked on about every three years until the age of 21.
The centers conducting the survey consist of universities, hospitals, health departments, and private companies or represent collaborations between these kinds of organizations. They will recruit participants, collect genetic, biological, and environmental samples. The centers will then compile statistical information for study analyses on the relationships between health, genetics, and the environment.
Federal Funding for Study
The Children’s Health Act of 2000 specifically provided funding for the National Children’s Study in section 1004. Fiscal years 2007 and 2008 were funded by congress, but no further funding has been requested in the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2009.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are among the consortium of federal partners leading the National Children’s Study. The Eunice Kennedy Striver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also working on the study.
Starting in 2000 with 7 centers, the US National Children's Study was launched in October, 2007 when it awarded 22 contracts to new study centers
Reference: National Children’s Study Website
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