MY AIR, MY HEALTH COMPETITION STILL ACCEPTING PROPOSALS UNTIL OCTOBER 5

On June 6, EPA, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Department of Health and Human Services announced a competition to inspire the invention of technologies that monitor how air quality affects health. Four finalists will each receive $15,000 to demonstrate how their projects measure the physiological effects of air quality on health. One of the four finalists will be awarded $100,000 to use the collected data that in the long-term will improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. More information on the challenge: http://challenge.gov/HHS/372-my-air-my-health-challenge

COMMENT.

We could identify select families in areas with air pollution, then auto-send EMAIL request to

answer 10 straight forward questions each week (e.g. any burning in eyes in family, any visits to

health services).   An incentive would be necessary.   Monthly telephone interview call.

Quarterly on site visit to collect cumulating monitoring tubes.

CHALLENGE.  Acute exposures and chronic exposures would probably need 

to be studied separately.