Studying Trends in Exposures in Prenatal Samples (STEPS)
Study of environmental chemicals in pregnant individuals living in Fresno, Los Angeles, and Orange counties
The Studying Trends in Exposures in Prenatal Samples (STEPS) study is designed to generate population-based estimates of chemical exposures among pregnant Californians. This data will be used to identify time trends and disparities in exposure.
Blood samples were collected as part of California’s Prenatal Screening (PNS) Program and banked for use in research. A random sample of primiparous (first time) pregnancies from Fresno, Los Angeles, and Orange counties will enable the Program to create population estimates of exposures.
Currently, blood samples are being analyzed for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). These data will be summarized and made publicly available. Additional laboratory analyses may be conducted in the future. We are also soliciting collaborations with researchers interested in characterizing additional exposures as well as studying the connection between environmental exposures and health outcomes.
Project Type:
Laboratory collaborationProject Status:
OngoingParticipants:
500+ pregnant individuals per countySample Collection Date:
toSample Collection Area:
Fresno, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties
