A full-fledged study will begin in 2010, aiming to follow approximately 60,000 children throughout Japan until age 12. First, some ten Unit Centers will be selected throughout Japan. They will be comprised of social medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatric departments at universities and research institutes. With cooperation from regional medical organizations, these Unit Centers will be responsible for enrolling pregnant women, collecting biological samples, and other operations that require contact with the target population. In addition, a Core Center will be established at the National Institute for Environmental Studies. The center will be responsible for planning and coordinating the.
