Research projects in the department with web sites:

CHARGE -- Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment

The CHARGE Study (Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment) is a case-control study of 2,000 children with differing patterns of development aimed at determining root causes of autism and of developmental delay or mental retardation. This investigation is the first comprehensive examination of exposures in the environment in relation to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Besides exploring a broad array of chemicals and biologic factors, the project will focus on interactions between genes and environmental factors.

Slovakia PCB Exposure and Early Childhood Development Study

The goal of this study is to examine PCBs, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated dibenzo-dioxin (TCDD), and dioxin like toxic equivalence (TEQ) exposures in relation to neurobehavioral and immunologic development in children.  The study will involve a chohort of births from two districts in eastern Slovakia: one is Michalovce, where a chmical manufacturing plant that operated from 1959 through the mid-1980s improperly discharged large quantities of contaminated waste into the surrounding area; the other is Svidnik, a comparative region without direct exposure to this pollution.

Farmer Health Study

The University of California, Davis Farmer Health Study is an ongoing investigation of the environmental exposures and health impacts of farming as experienced in California. It began in 1993 with nearly 2,000 farmers. The aim of the study is to identify the prevalence and risk factors for acute and chronic disease and ultimately the prevention of disease in this population which is representative of farmers in California.

SALUD -- Study of Agricultural Lung Disease

The SALUD study examines respiratory function and paraquat (Gramoxone) exposure among agricultural workers in Costa Rica. The study will include respiratory function and exercise testing as well as measure occupational exposures and health outcomes in approximately 500 farm workers.

SUPERB -- Study of Use of Products and Exposure Related Behavior

The SUPERB Study seeks to understand how people are exposed to pollutants in the environment by studying what people eat, what household products they use, and their daily activities.

SWAN -- Study of Women's Health Across the Nation

WHEL -- Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study

The Women's Healthy Eating and Living study examines the effect of a plant-based diet on the prevention of the recurrence of breast cancer. UC Davis is one of six clinical sites recruiting 3,000 women throughout the Western United States for the eight-year project.