FACES (Fresno Asthmatic Children's Environment Study)

 

 

The Fresno Asthmatic Children's Environment Study, which began in 2000, is a large epidemiological study of the effects of air pollution on children with asthma. About 300 asthmatic children who reside in the Fresno area of the Central Valley of California were enrolled in the study. The overall goal of this study is to determine the effects of different components of particulate matter (PM), in combination with other ambient air pollutants, on the natural history of asthma in young children. The study is being conducted by investigators at the University of California, Berkeley. The California Air Resources Board provided funding through 2006 with provisions for ARB participation and data sharing through 2010. Additional funding has been secured by the investigators through the NIH to continue the project through 2010. A supplement to the final report covering the additional analyses conducted during the ARB augmentation funding period will be available in late 2006. An overview of the Fresno Asthmatic Children's Environment Study is available here and the Fresno Asthmatic Children's Environment Study Fact Sheet is here PDF Download .
What's New on this Page - The Faces Final Report
Importance of the Fresno Asthmatic Children's Environment Study
  • The information provided by the study will help the Air Resources Board (ARB) protect public health. The ARB sets California's ambient air quality standards to protect people who are most sensitive to air pollution.

     

  • Children may be more strongly affected by air pollution because their lungs and bodies are still developing. Understanding the effects of air pollution on children with asthma is essential for setting health standards protective of sensitive populations.

 

The Pollutants Studied

 

  • Particulate Matter

     

  • Criteria Air Pollutants: NOx, SO2, CO, Ozone

     

  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

     

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

     

  • Environmental Tobacco Smoke

     

  • Allergens

FACES monitoring sites on the Fresno map

 

The Information Gathered by the Study
The study consists of a variety of measurements taken over the course of five years. Measurements taken include skin testing for allergies, lung function testing, and extensive questions about the child's health and home environment. Research staff will also visit the child's home to collect indoor air and dust samples. Children will keep a journal of activities and time spent in different locations throughout the day, as well as symptoms and medication use. Portable spirometers will be used to measure lung function at home.
Interim Report
The Interim Report describes the air pollutant exposure and health related progress and accomplishments for the first part of the FACES project ending in July 2002. For more information, please follow this link to the FACES Interim Report PDF Download .  (PDF - 7,085 KB)
Final Report
The Final Report describes the air pollutant exposure and health related progress and accomplishments for the FACES project through 2005. For more information, please follow this link to the FACES Final Report PDF Download .  (PDF - 6,969 KB)