The NTA SOLUTION (Innovative methodology based on a Non-Targeted screening Approach combined with activity patterns for estimation of SOiL and dUsT ingestION rate in children) Project

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The NTA SOLUTION is a multidisciplinary IoE Project that through remote based surveys and collection of environmental and biological samples (water, food, soil, indoor dust and urine) has the purpose to evaluate how children can be exposed to chemicals in the environment through normal daily activities. Our main scientific goal is to implement an innovative methodology based on non-targeted screening approach (NTA) to identify specific tracers of dust and soil exposure, which combined with relevant information on children’s behavior, activities, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic data for different age groups could provide a more accurate estimates of soil and dust ingestion rate.

Download our NTA SOLUTION Project flyer or postcard

If you are interested in participating in the NTA SOLUTION Project and would like to learn

more information, please call us at 561-666-7929 or email us at ntasolution@fiu.edu

About the Study and Eligibility

You are eligible for the study if you have a child between 6 months and 5 years that lives in the greater Miami area, South Florida.

Participation in the study involves 4 research visits a year (including remote surveys and sample collection at home). This is a three-year long-term study, which leads to a total of 12 sessions of remote surveys/sample collections (household dust, soil, water, child’s food items, and child’s urine for analysis).

Results from this study will be made available to caregivers 6-12 months after collection alongside available health risk assessments associated with exposure. Feedback on the information collected by surveys will include advice and educational materials on relevant risks to soil and dust ingestion by children of different age groups.

Free Cost and Compensation

All evaluations and sessions will be free of cost. You have the opportunity to receive up to a total of $900 (up to $300 per year) in the form of gift cards.

Length of the study

Participation includes:

  • Screening evaluation (a short demographic questionnaire).
  • Surveys on children’s activities, child’s development and behavior, and your parenting style and behavior (a total of 12 sessions in 3 years).
  • Collection of environmental and biological samples (water, food, soil, household dust, and urine) 4 times a year (a total of 12 times in 3 years of the study).

Preliminary data: Coming soon

Researchers Contact Information:

Dr. Natalia Quinete (Lead PI of the Project) is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida International University and is affiliated with the Institute of Environment.
Daniel Bagner, PhD, ABPP (co-PI of the Project) is a Professor of Psychology at Florida International University and director of the Early Childhood Behavior Lab.
Piero Gardinali (co-PI of the Project) is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida International University and director of the Southeast Environmental Research Center (SERC) in the Institute of Environment.
Florence George (co-PI of the Project) is an Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics and Associate Chairperson.
Danni Cui is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Environment working on the chemical analysis (NTA) of the project.
Joseph Cox is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Environment working on the chemical analysis (NTA) of the project.
Emily Mejias has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from FIU and is the Project Coordinator at the Center for Children and Families and affiliated with the Institute of Environment, responsible for the recruitment of families and children.
Mymuna Monem is a graduate student in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and is working on the statistical analysis of the Project.
Kevin Drai is research intern graduated in psychology (major) with a minor in chemistry working on recruitment and chemical analysis of the Project.