The rationale for a national prospective cohort study of environmental exposure and childhood development.
Evidence is growing that pre- and perinatal exposures and factors play a role in not only childhood but adulthood disorders. Therefore, there is a compelling need to undertake a national cohort study to evaluate the effects of such factors, ideally through adult life. Several recent developments, including advancements in computer technology, the management, storage, and analysis of biological specimens, and the rapid growth of genetic markers, facilitate the evaluation of the influence of environmental exposures on the subsequent risk of developmental abnormalities and disease. The rationale behind the establishment of such a cohort is discussed.
Berkowitz
G S
GS
Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Wolff
M S
MS
Matte
T
T
Susser
E
E
Landrigan
P J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012107:Research Design
D004785:Environmental Pollutants