What is Involved? Study participants will be asked to participate for five days in a row during the summer and again during the winter. You will also need to be available the day before and after sampling for equipment setup and takedown. The study will start in 2004 and continue through 2007. You will only be asked to participate a total of 10 days during a one-year period. What Will I Receive? Study participants who participate in both the summer and winter seasons will receive up to $300 and $100 in gift certificates. Summer: $20 per day (for up to five days) plus $5 per day for use of your electricity, and a $50 gift certificate. Winter: $30 per day (for up to five days) plus $5 per day for the use of your electricity, and a $50 gift certificate. Can I Get a Copy of My Results? We will provide you with a summary of your results. This information will be provided to you in writing following the end of each monitoring season upon request. Partners We wish to thank the following groups for their participation in this valuable study: • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency • Michigan Department of Environmental Quality • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. • Community Action Against Asthma, Detroit, Mich. • RTI International, Research Triangle Park, N.C. expect to have preliminary results from the study by 2007. And a special thanks to all our United States Environmental Protection Agency May 2004 Research & Development SEPA Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study (DEARS) Summer & Winter 2004-2007 For More Information, Contact: Ron Williams, USEPA 1-866-EPA-DEAR (372-3327) or Mike Phillips, RTI 1-800-334-8571, ext. 6276 or the DEARS study website: www.epa.gov/dears ------- Why is the U.S. EPA Studying Detroit's Air Quality? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting the Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study. EPA performs research to protect human health and the environment. In order for EPA to help achieve clean air, we need to understand what is in the air that we breathe. Seven Monitoring Areas 'SW Detroit, 2Wyandotte, 3Ambassador Bridge, 4East Detroit, 5Dearborn, "Southfield Freeway, Belleville "m What Kind of Study is It? This study involves three-years of air monitoring in Detroit, Michigan. A total of 120 people will be selected from seven neighborhoods in the Detroit area; the air in each of the neighborhoods has different characteristics. Results from the study will provide a benchmark that we can use to determine progress in making our air cleaner. Who is Eligible to Participate? Participant selection will begin in the summer of 2004. Only 40 participants will be selected per year. To be selected, you must be: • 18 years or older and live in one of the seven monitoring areas • a non-smoker and live in a non-smoking household • able to walk around unassisted • willing to answer questions and complete surveys which will be conducted in English • living in the same single family and detached house for the next 12 months during the sampling period Why Should I Participate? The EPA needs to know how the air we monitor at select sites in the Detroit area compares to the air you are exposed to in your daily life. As a participant in this study, you will play a critical role in helping scientists and researchers understand your community's exposure to various pollutants and where those substances come from. What Will I Be Asked to Do? As a participant, you will be asked to do four main things: • allow scientists to place air monitors inside and outside your home • keep a short daily time-activity diary • wear a lightweight vest with air monitoring equipment during your daily activities • allow scientists to come into your home each morning for less than one hour to check the air monitors and collect information about your general daily activities such as cooking, shopping, cleaning, etc. ------- |