Air quality, health study begins in East Liverpool

Residents in East Liverpool have been concerned about air pollution for quite some time and on Friday, they are finally saw a step in the right direction.

Dozens of children and their parents came to the East Liverpool branch of Kent State University to take part in a new study happening in town. Dr. Erin Haynes, who is running the study, said the work will focus on children's exposure to manganese, a metal known to pollute the city's air. And parents involved in the study are concerned.

"It's why I brought my kids here today -- to get the additional testing, and hopefully there is no poor results on their behalf," East Liverpool resident Shauna Call said.

Children went from station to station getting stickers along the way once they finished each step of the testing. Although it seems scary, kids had to give a small blood sample and a hair sample, but Haynes says it is painless and parents agreed. Parents also had to fill out a questionnaire.

Haynes, who comes from the University of Cincinnati, said all has been going well so far.

"Today has been going great. We were hoping for 100 children, and we have that. So, we are very, very thankful for all the families who have come out today to participate," Haynes said.

In addition, once all steps were finished, each child got an extra bonus -- $50. Some kids said they wanted to use it for a vacation, but others had different plans.

"Spend it on a phone," said participant Whitney Carter.

Testing will continue on Saturday, but all time spots are filled. Even though Haynes is booked, she says to call anyway because of possible cancellations. Haynes can be reached though her study hotline toll free at 866-247-3299. She added that if the results find it necessary, she will be back in town doing more studies.