California Regional Exposure Study, Region 2 (CARE-2)

Study of metals and other environmental chemicals in adults in Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Mono, and Inyo counties

Logo for the CARE-2 study showing a blue map of California with the eastern part of California in orange

The goal of the California Regional Exposure (CARE) Study is to measure and compare environmental chemicals in people across the state, one region at a time. In 2019, 359 residents of Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Mono, and Inyo counties participated in the second phase of the study, CARE-2. All study participants donated blood and urine samples and completed surveys to identify potential sources of exposure to chemicals.

Samples from all CARE-2 participants were tested for ten metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, and twelve perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). A subset of 159 participants was also tested for 1-nitropyrene, a chemical that shows if a person was exposed to diesel exhaust. In addition, 151 participants were tested for seven 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-2 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 Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Mono, and Inyo counties.

Project Type:

Full project collaboration

Project Status:

Ongoing

Participants:

359 adults (age 18 and up) living in Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Mono, and Inyo counties

Sample Collection Date:

Sample Collection Area:

Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Mono, and Inyo counties