Compensation will be provided for participating families!
Participating families will be compensated $30 per child.
The visit requires 60–90 min of your time and will assess the health outcomes associated with access to fluoridated water.
How the Study Works
Purpose of Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between fluoride exposure from drinking water and biomarkers and neurocognitive outcomes in young children residing in fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities in Louisiana.
How to Enroll
Your child may be eligible for this study if they are 5–12 years old and living in either St. John the Baptist or St. James Parish. If your child is eligible, someone from our team will give you more information about the study. If you'd like to enroll your child, we will obtain your informed consent.
Eligibility
- 5–12 years old
- Permanent resident of St. John the Baptist or St. James Parish for at least one year
- Home uses municipal water
- Child primarily drinks tap water
- Parent or guardian is willing to provide consent
Home Visits
If you consent to participate, you'll schedule a home visit with a member of our study team.
During the Home Visit
Environmental Sample Collection
We will collect tap water samples from your household. We will also collect soil samples and a small amount of any cereal or grain you regularly consume.
Biological Sample Collection
Parents will help us collect urine samples, as well as fingernail clippings from all ten fingers. We will also collect a capillary blood sample.
Capillary Blood Lead Testing
Lead exposure is harmful to children's health. To account for its potential impact on the study, we will test your child's blood lead level and share the result with you immediately. Additional blood will be collected for further metal and fluoride analysis.
Mandatory State Reporting
State law requires us to share your child's blood lead level with the Louisiana Department of Health. Outside of this, your participation is kept strictly confidential. We will also provide you with the state's recommended next steps.
Questionnaire
You'll be asked to complete a questionnaire on your child's behalf. This takes about 10 minutes.
Cognitive Assessment
Your child will also complete an assessment on an iPad. This takes about 45 minutes in total.
Need more information?
To learn more or find out if your child qualifies, reach out any way that's easiest.
Or send us a message
Tell us how to reach you and we'll follow up. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.