A study you participate in may take place in one of the
test chambers in our facility. Some of chambers are large
and can accommodate studies with up to 8 people. Others
are smaller, designed for just one or two people. Study
participants are always accompanied by EPA personnel while
a study in under way. And medical staff including a doctor
and a nurse are always present in the building. As a safety
precaution, when subjects exercise or are exposed to pollutants
during the study, they are connected to a heart monitoring
system and emergency medical equipment is easily accessible.
The
most important duty of each person on the EPA staff is to
act as an advocate for study participants. Your safety is
our ultimate concern. You are free to end your participation
in a study at any time but we hope that you'll understand
the importance of making a commitment to completing the
entire study. This helps insure that the important work
of the EPA can continue.
Any
finally, a word about the EPA's important contribution to
a healthier environment for all of us. A contribution that
your participation helps make possible. The EPA uses data
gathered during its studies to solve important environmental
health problems. Study results contribute to the creation
of laws that help protect our health, such as the Clean
Air Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. The EPA's work
has contributed to the elimination of lead from gasoline
and to the establishment of ozone standards used to develop
the ozone action graphic you sometimes see on your local
weather report.
Most
importantly, the Environmental Protection Agency has helped
create an increased global awareness of the importance of
protecting and preserving the quality of our environment.
Your participation in this work is a valuable building block
in this process.
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© 2000 - 2003 Westat.