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NHEXAS PHASE I MARYLAND STUDY

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Notice:

WARNING! DATA USE RESTRICTIONS

Read Carefully Before Using

The EPA does all it can to ensure that the identity of survey participants cannot be disclosed. All direct identifiers, as well as any characteristics that might lead to identifications, are omitted from the data. Any intentional identification or disclosure of a person or establishment violates the assurances of confidentiality given to the providers of the information. Therefore, users will (1) use the data in this study for statistical reporting and analysis only; (2) make no use of the identity of any person or establishment discovered inadvertently and will advise the HEDS Administrator of any such discovery; (3) will not link this data with individually identifiable data from other EPA or non-EPA data.

By using the data you signify your agreement to comply with the above-stated statutorily based requirements.

Description:

The National Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS) is a federal interagency research effort coordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD). Phase I consists of demonstration/scoping studies using probability-based sampling designs. The studies collected household environmental and personal samples for chemical analysis, and questionnaires were administered. The NHEXAS Phase I Questionnaires were organized into six modules for simplicity in administration (to minimize respondent burden and maximize participation rates at each step) and for collecting information that can be temporally related to the exposure, concentration, and/or biological measurements collected in NHEXAS: Descriptive, Baseline, Technician, Follow-up, Time and activity diary, and Dietary diary (and follow-up). The NHEXAS-Maryland study sampled residences determined by a proportion-based sample of Baltimore and four adjacent counties and measured metals, pesticides, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The study was conducted by Harvard University, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, and Westat. Data collection occurred up to six times over one year for the participating households. Analytical results were obtained under strict QA/QC requirements during collection, processing, and final deposition into databases.

The NHEXAS-Maryland study was an investigation of temporal variability in multimedia, multipollutant exposures. The study population consisted of eighty participants above the age of ten in four counties and the city of Baltimore in Maryland. This sample included residents of urban, suburban, and rural areas and is representative of the racial diversity of the region. Samples from each participant were taken six times over the course of one year. The sampling periods, or Cycles, were spaced approximately two months apart between September 1995 and September 1996. Specific dates for Cycles 1-6 are as follows: September 21 - December 20, 1995; January 15 - February 25, 1996; February 26 - April 20, 1996; April 22 - June 14, 1996; June 17 - July 27, 1996; and July 29 - September 18, 1996. Pollutants monitored were drawn from several classes of contaminants including metals, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides. Various environmental media were monitored including outdoor, indoor, and personal air, drinking water, food, house dust, soil, and dermal wipes. Biological media including blood and urine were also sampled and monitored for parent contaminants or biological metabolites of parent contaminants. In addition, a series of questionnaires was administered to aid in determining factors that influence such exposures.

NOTE: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Office of Research and Development (ORD), partially funded and collaborated in the research described here. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by EPA for use.

URLs/Downloads:

HEDS STUDIES

STUDY DIRECTORY

Record Details:

Record Type:PROJECT
Start Date:05/01/1995
Record ID: 22847