Environmental Exposures in Early Childhood Education Environments

Environmental Exposures in Early Childhood Education Environments
Principal Investigator: Asa Bradman
University of California, Berkeley
08-305
Current Study

Children generally experience a higher dose of environmental chemicals per unit of body weight than adults, and their immune systems are less developed. Recent studies have shown that early childhood education (ECE) environments (e.g., day care centers) may contain lead, pesticides, and various allergens; however, there is little information available on children’s exposures to other toxic chemicals in these environments. In this study, the investigator will measure the following chemicals in the indoor air of 40 ECE facilities, and in several outdoor locations near some of the facilities:

        •    volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
        •    aldehydes
        •    acetone
        •    phthalates
        •    perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)
        •    several pesticides
        •    several classes of flame retardants
        •    particulate matter (PM)

The flame retardants measured will include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), tris phosphate flame retardants, and constituents of Firemaster 550®, a replacement for pentaPBDE which was banned in California beginning in January 2008. Because children exhibit exploratory behaviors that increase their exposure to particles and contaminants on floor surfaces, floor dust samples will also be obtained from these facilities to quantify the levels of phthalates, flame retardants, PFCs, lead, and pesticides present in the dust. Exposure levels will then be estimated and results will be compared to current health benchmarks. Also, potential contaminant sources within the facilities will be assessed via a questionnaire and a facility inspection.

The results from the study will provide valuable data on children’s exposure to a number of compounds that are known or suspected reproductive, developmental, or respiratory toxicants, many of which have not been studied in ECE environments. The study will provide data on a number of semivolatile and volatile organic compounds that are toxic air contaminants (TACs), and will be useful in informing ARB on whether additional regulation of these TACs is needed in order to protect children.

The pilot study is scheduled for spring 2010, and the main study is scheduled to begin during the summer of 2010 and be completed in 2011. The final report is expected to be available by spring 2012.

For information regarding this study, please contact Ryan Johnson at (916) 323-2190.