Why carry out a longitudinal birth survey?
In spite of technological progress throughout the world, ill health, both physical and mental, is widespread - but much of this is preventable. With rapid globalization, populations in both industrialised and developing countries are being exposed to various stresses and to new environmental factors, such as those related to climate change and to an increasing range of chemicals of unknown effect. There is substantial evidence that exposures to environmental risk factors in pregnancy and childhood have a major influence on health and development even into adulthood and future generations. In this paper we discuss the importance of longitudinal studies in identifying the processes underlying health and developmental problems and thus, by using the strengths of birth cohort studies, identifying preventative and other strategies which will protect public health from adverse environmental influences.
Golding
Jean
J
Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Community Based Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. jean.golding@bristol.ac.uk
Jones
Richard
R
Bruné
Marie-Noël
MN
Pronczuk
Jenny
J
D002657:Child Development; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration
D004785:Environmental Pollutants