Our colleagues at Breast Cancer Fund sent us this notice about an opportunity to volunteer in a study about the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA). Check it out!

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Researchers at Vassar College, the Breast Cancer Fund and Silent Spring Institute are collaborating on a study to determine whether or not eating only fresh (non-processed) foods will decrease the level of the endocrine disrupting chemicals Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates in our bodies. We are seeking families with two children between the ages of 3-11 and two adult parents (of any gender), who all live in one residence, to participate.

The study will assess the degree to which changing to a fresh food diet can lower exposure to Bisphenol A and phthalates. Participants will be asked to eat only a diet of fresh, non-processed foods – such as fresh vegetables, organic meats, and fresh snacks such as fruits and nuts for three full days. Food for the three days of the special diet will be provided free of charge to study participants with specific preparation guidelines. In addition, each family member will be asked to give 6 urine samples over the course of a week, generally around the time of evening meals.

Families will also be asked to track food consumption for the entire week, including both the days when you are eating your regular diet, as well as the days when food is being provided. Your regular diet can include combinations of convenience foods, takeout, fast food, and fresh foods (so, really … whatever you regularly eat).

Study personnel will deliver three days' worth of meals and snacks on Monday, January 25. A local caterer who specializes in providing delicious organic meals will have prepared this food. During the week study personnel will visit your home or call to ask you to respond to a brief set of questions about what you and your family have eaten that day. At the end of the study, study personnel will pick up the daily urine samples for analysis, and we will have an exit interview and offer to provide materials for integrating a more healthful diet into your family’s daily life.

To participate, families must meet the following criteria:

· Be a family of four including two parents (of any gender) and two children all living in a single residence. Both children must be between the ages of 3-11 years old and must be fully potty trained. If your children are slightly outside of this age range, and you are interested in the study, feel free to complete the survey.
· Live in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa or Marin County
· Be willing to eat meals and snacks made from non-processed foods provided by the study personnel for three consecutive days. Prepared food will be provided, ready to heat and serve, and/or assemble and serve. In addition to meals eaten at home, participation will require sending home-packed meals of the provided food with any adults and children eating at school or work, and avoiding eating out for those three days.
· Available to participate in the study from January 24-January 31, 2010
· Willing to collect urine samples from family members once a day for six out of eight days.

As part of participation, families will receive a Klean Kanteen for each family member, glass food preparation and storage containers, and three days worth of fresh organic meals.

To be considered for participation, please complete the online survey located at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=AFv8urCl7QGC9XPheHYIgQ_3d_3d. This brief survey will ask you about the ages of your family members, the zip code where your home is located, your food intake over the past 48 hours, and information about how we can contact you. The survey will be open until January 12, 2010 and you will be contacted by a member of our team by January 14, 2010.

Thank you so much for your interest. Educational materials related to this study will be available on our website at www.breastcancerfund.org in the months following the study. The information shared publicly will not reveal any of your personal information – only the results of the study as a group. You will have the opportunity to learn of your own results if you wish.

Sincerely,

Connie Engel, M.A Janet Gray, Ph.D. Julia Brody, Ph.D. Ruthann Rudel, M.S.
Breast Cancer Fund Vassar College Silent Spring Institute Silent Spring Institute

Thank you!