You are here:
PILOT STUDY: THE TAMPA ASTHMATIC CHILDREN'S STUDY (TACS)
Citation:
Williams, R W. PILOT STUDY: THE TAMPA ASTHMATIC CHILDREN'S STUDY (TACS). Presented at The National Children's Study Pilot Study Review Workshop, Research Triangle Park, NC, December 3, 2004.
Impact/Purpose:
Develop simple questionnaires and measures for input into models to classify children's exposures to CRPs, PM, and air toxics.
Quantify personal, indoor air, outdoor and ambient site concentrations for CRP/PM/air toxics for the participants in this pilot study.
Identify and model key factors contributing to the inter- and intra-personal variability between personal measures and corresponding indoor, outdoor, and ambient air concentrations for CRP/PM/air toxics.
Evaluate the contribution of ambient sources to indoor air and personal concentration measurements for CRP/PM/air toxics.
Apply the scientific tools developed and information gained from this pilot in the NCS to assess children's exposures.
Description:
The Tampa Asthmatic Children's Study (TACS) was a pilot research study that focused on developing and evaluating air pollution exposure assessment methods and participant recruiting tools for children in the age range of 1-5 years old. The pilot study focused on (a) simple, cost-effective methods for assessing environmental exposures relevant to asthma and (b) the development of techniques for the early assessment of asthma-related health outcomes. The study was designed to evaluate simple exposure measurement methods that might be used in the National Children's Study (NCS) and other human exposure studies. The TACS was a nine child pilot study conducted in the fall of 2002. Young children (<6 years of age) were recruited and enrolled in this study which focused upon collecting exposure assessment data relative to combustion related products (CRPs). Field data collection was completed in 2002. The database validation, analyses, and reporting are in various stages of completion. Data from chemical analyses that are currently being completed will be used to evaluate the specific influence of various air pollutant sources on the children's exposure. The Florida Department of the Environment, Hillsborough County, and the study participants have been briefed on preliminary exposure data from the study. Data will be report in an EPA Research Report on "Lessons Learned" and in journal manuscripts currently being developed.
Although this work was reviewed by EPA and approved for publication, it may not necessary reflect official Agency policy.