Welcome to the Children’s Health Study

What is the Children’s Health Study?

The Children’s Health Study (CHS) is one of the largest and most detailed studies of the long-term effects of air pollution on the respiratory health of children. More than 12,000 school children living in southern California are involved in this ongoing study. Data on their health, exposure to air pollution, and factors that affected their responses to air pollution were gathered annually from elementary through senior high school. Findings from these studies have led to changes in state and federal guidelines to improve air quality standards and urban planning decisions and better protect and improve everyone’s health.

1992

• The USC Children’s Health Study begins

1993

• About 3,600 students from 4th, 7th and 10th grades join the study from 12 communities across Southern California

1996

• 900 participating students graduate from high school
• 2,100 new 4th grade students join the study

2002

• Four additional towns added for recruitment
• Over 5,600 kindergarten and 1st grade students join the study, now known as the USC AIR Study
• Over 300 1st grade students join a year later

2002-Present

• USC AIR Study participants reach their senior year of high school
• USC staff begin reconnecting with all participants