California Regional Exposure Study, Los Angeles County (CARE-LA)
Study of metals and other environmental chemicals in adults in Los Angeles County
The California Regional Exposure (CARE) Study measured and compared environmental chemicals in people from selected regions across the state. In 2018, 430 residents of Los Angeles County participated in the first phase of the study, CARE-LA. All study participants donated blood and urine samples and completed surveys to identify potential sources of exposure to chemicals.
Samples from all CARE-LA participants were tested for ten metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, and twelve perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Some participants were also tested for 1-nitropyrene, a chemical that shows if a person was exposed to diesel exhaust. In addition, some women’s samples were tested for nine phenols, a group of chemicals that are often used in personal care and other consumer products, and a related chemical called triclocarban.
Findings from CARE-LA will support efforts to reduce chemical exposures in Californians and improve public health.
We would like to acknowledge local community groups, organizations, and our study participants for their contributions to our work in LA County.
This project was supported in part by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Cooperative Agreement #U88EH001148).
Project Type:
Full project collaborationProject Status:
OngoingParticipants:
430 adults (age 18 and up) living in Los Angeles CountySample Collection Date:
Sample Collection Area:
Los Angeles County
