The rationale for a national prospective cohort study of environmental exposure and childhood development

Evidence is growing that pre- and perinatal exposures and factors play a ro le in not only childhood but adulthood disorders. Therefore, there is a com pelling need to undertake a national cohort study to evaluate the effects o f such factors, ideally through adult life. Several recent developments, in cluding advancements in computer technology, the management, storage, and a nalysis of biological specimens, and the rapid growth of genetic markers, f acilitate the evaluation of the influence of environmental exposures on the subsequent risk of developmental abnormalities and disease. The rationale behind the establishment of such a cohort is discussed. (C) 2001 Academic P ress.