SACRAMENTO– Today the Air Resources Board (ARB) agreed to fund the second phase of the Fresno Asthmatic Children's Environment Study (FACES). The FACES study is designed to look at health effects of air pollution on children with asthma living in the Fresno and Clovis areas of the San Joaquin Valley.

"The results of this study will be invaluable to the ARB in determining the effects of Central Valley air quality on asthmatic children and establishing pollution control measures to better protect children and other vulnerable populations," said ARB Chairman, Alan Lloyd.

The study is designed to examine the health effects of air pollution, especially particulate matter, on 250 children with asthma in the Fresno area. The first phase of the study, which began in November 2000, has resulted in the establishment of an extensive air pollution monitoring network and the health assessments of the children enrolled in the study. The ARB gave $3,883,000 to fund the first phase of the study.

Researchers will investigate the relationship between short-term air pollution exposures and short-term asthma episodes, specifically what types of air pollution most affect asthmatic children. They will also investigate the relationship between repeated short-term asthma episodes and the long-term progression of the disease to more severe symptoms and effects. Results from this study may help health care providers identify children who are at the greatest risk for adverse effects of air pollution and guide decisions about environmental interventions.

FACES is being conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley. The final results from the study should be available in Fall 2005.

The study is still recruiting children. Those interested in joining the study may call Kathy Butler at (559) 294-6700. For more information on the Fresno Asthmatic Children's Environment Study, visit click here or call (916) 445-0753.