Investigating Cumulative Exposures among 3- to 4-Year-Old Children Using Wearable Ultrafine Particle Sensors and Language Environment Devices: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

Amy A. Schultz, Kristen M.C. Malecki, Maddie M. Olson, Saliha B. Selman, Oona-Ife Olaiya, Alexandra Spicer, James J. Schauer, Ross Edwards, Heather L. Kirkorian and Janean Dilworth-Bart
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Amy A. Schultz: Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Kristen M.C. Malecki: Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Maddie M. Olson: Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Saliha B. Selman: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Oona-Ife Olaiya: Human Development and Family Studies Department, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Alexandra Spicer: Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
James J. Schauer: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Ross Edwards: Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Heather L. Kirkorian: Human Development and Family Studies Department, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Janean Dilworth-Bart: Human Development and Family Studies Department, School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-16

Abstract: Interdisciplinary approaches are needed to measure the additive or multiplicative impacts of chemical and non-chemical stressors on child development outcomes. The lack of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental health and child development has led to a gap in the development of effective intervention strategies. It is hypothesized that a broader systems approach can support more effective interventions over time. To achieve these goals, detailed study protocols are needed. Researchers in child development typically focus on psychosocial stressors. Less attention is paid to chemical and non-chemical stressors and how the interaction of these stressors may impact child development. This feasibility study aims to bridge the gap between child development and environmental epidemiology research by trialing novel methods of gathering ultrafine particle data with a wearable air sensor, while simultaneously gathering language and noise data with the Language Environment Analysis (LENA) system. Additionally, psychosocial data (e.g., parenting quality, caregiver depression, and household chaos) was gathered from parent reports. Child participants (age 3–4 years) completed cognitive tasks to assess self-regulation and receptive language skills, and provided a biospecimen analyzed for inflammatory biomarkers. Data collection was completed at two time points, roughly corresponding to fall and spring. Twenty-six participants were recruited for baseline data, and 11 participants completed a follow-up session. Preliminary results indicate that it is feasible to gather personal Particulate Matter (PM2.5), language, and noise data, cognitive assessments, and biospecimens from our sample of 3-4-year-old children. While there are obstacles to overcome when working with this age group, future studies can benefit from adapting lessons learned regarding recruitment strategies, study design, and protocol implementation.

Keywords: PM2.5; air pollution; noise; child development; exposure assessment; ultrafine particles; cumulative exposure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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