The CREATE study: Pilot testing Cumulative Personal Environmental Exposure and Educational Readiness Assessments in Pre-school Children (ages 3-4)

Abstract

TPS 731: Neurological effects in children, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 26, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background: Preschool is a critical time for neurological growth and development in children. Few studies have attempted to measure personal air pollution exposure simultaneously with family and home characteristics such as verbal language exposure, important predictors of future educational outcomes. The Cumulative Risks, Early Development and Academic Trajectories (CREATE) pilot study aims to assess personal, home and school exposure with growth and development data among 3-4 year old preschool children. Methods: Small backpacks were equipped with personal air monitors and t-shirts designed with Language EnviroNment Analysis system (LENA) technology to collect air and language data for two consecutive 24-hour periods. Plug-in air pollution monitors were also stationed in each child’s home and school. Collection time, percent missing, and percent of time fine particulate matter (PM2.5) > 35 µg/m3 along with minimum, maximum, and average PM2.5 were calculated in R version 3.5.2 for each location, timepoint, day, and child combination and compared across location and day graphically and statistically. A urine collection protocol was also tested. Results: Missing data arose from unintentional unplugging of air monitors. However, few significant differences in air pollution summary measures across location or day were observed (p>. 05). Technical challenges in the school environment suggest home and personal measurement may be more valid and reliable metrics of child personal exposures compared to school. Maternal, paternal and other adult language also varied by location and time of day. Over 85% of 3-4 year olds were compliant with the first 24 hours of air monitoring and day one urine collection, which dropped to 50% on day two. Conclusions: It is possible to collect personal air exposure and language environment data in preschool children’s home and school environments. Future studies may not require multi-location or multi-day collection for establishing a baseline, rather repeat measurement should occur at longer intervals.