The Life Study Birth Cohort Environmental Enhancement Pilot
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Life Study Birth Cohort Environmental Enhancement Pilot - Evaluation and subject perception of personal and home environment monitoring.
IRAS ID
163923
Contact name
Benjamin Barratt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
This is a short observational study, the primary aim of which is to pilot novel technologies and methods for environmental exposure assessment in pregnant women. It is hoped that the techniques developed will be utilised in future studies to assess daily exposure to environmental contaminants in large scale birth cohorts.
The measurement metrics being evaluated include indoor and outdoor air pollution, noise, electromagnetic radiation and chemical contaminants. As well as testing new methodologies, this pilot will provide an opportunity to evaluate participant acceptability of these methods including inconvenience and privacy issues. Exposure assessments will be made via a mix of novel technology, smartphone apps and dynamic modelling techniques as applied to a small number of pilot cohort recruits. The majority of samples will be taken continuously inside and outside of the participant’s home, with additional information gathered using sensors and apps carried by the participant over a period of seven days. Upon completion, the exposure assessments will be compared to estimates calculated using established methods. Accuracy, timing, duration and practicality of assessment methods will also be considered. Finally, recommendations will be made as to which methods and technologies should be carried forward for further studies linked to the UK Life Study birth cohort.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/2152
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion