Environmental Exposures in Child Care Facilities Study

Child Playing in Child Care Center

The Environmental Exposures in Child Care Facilities study focuses on environmental exposures in child care facilities, including infant day care, child care centers, preschools and nursery schools. Facilities are varied and can include home-based child care, privately-run centers, programs run by government (e.g., Head Start), school districts, or religious institutions and are located in a variety of building types. 


Infant Exposures Compared to Adult Exposures

Study at a Glance: 

  • Study Objectives: Investigate levels of air pollutants in child care facilities and examine levels of less hazardous dust pollutants. Identify and understand factors associated with increased levels of contamination. Determine the health risks these exposures create by comparing measured levels and estimates to reference levels and air quality standards. Develop inexpensive strategies for child care providers to reduce exposures to children in their facilities.
  • Geographic Area: California
  • Participants: 40 child care facilities
  • Study Tools: Air sampling, dust sampling, questionnaires
  • Community Partners: California Childcare Health Program
  • Principal Investigators: Dr. Asa Bradman 
  • Funders: California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), National Institute for Environmental  Health Sciences (NIEHS) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)