Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wristbands
What is the purpose of the wristband?
The wristband can collect possible trace substances you may come into contact in your daily life. This will help us to learn if some of these substances may affect our health. What is the wristband made of? The wristband is 100% silicone. What kinds of things stick to the wristbands? The wristband can absorb substances in the air or skin like pesticides or air pollution. How long should I wear the wristband? Please keep the wristband on for 7 days, including at night, then return to the SEHS team at Vanderbilt in the original mylar (silver color) bag. You have been given a postage-paid envelope. Should I wear the wristband on vacation? To best measure your usual experience, please wait to wear the wristband until you return home from your vacation. Which wrist should the wristband be worn on? We ask that you wear it on your non-dominant hand (the hand you do NOT use for writing). Can the wristband get wet? Yes, the wristband can get wet and can be worn while showering or swimming. Can I take off the wristband during the 7 days and nights? We ask that you keep the wristband on during the entire 7 days and nights. If you have to take it off for a short period of time, please write down how many times and for how long you removed the wristband. We will ask you about it later. Can I use hand cream while wearing the wristband? Yes, you can use hand cream while wearing the wristband. We will ask you about it later. Does sunscreen count as hand cream? Yes, for the purposes of the survey you complete, sunscreen is considered hand cream. Can I wear a watch or jewelry on the same wrist as the wristband? Yes, you can wear a watch or jewelry. We will ask you about it later. What should I do at the end of the 7 day and nights period? Please place the wristband in the original mylar (silver color) bag, check that it is sealed properly, and mail it back to the SEHS team at Vanderbilt in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Also, fill out the wristband survey. What should I do if I lose the mylar bag? Please wrap the wristband completely in aluminum foil and place it in a plastic zip-top bag, then mail it back to the SEHS team at Vanderbilt in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Who can I talk to if I have questions? Please call our study toll-free at 1-(855) 710-9489 if you have any questions. What happens to the wristbands after being worn? After receiving the wristbands back, SEHS laboratory staff store them in ultra-cold freezers until needed in the future. Then, SEHS scientists will analyze a small piece of some of the wristbands using a process called high resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. This process detects substances like flame retardants, pesticides, and over 150 other volatile chemicals, as well as thousands of other substances. By combining data from thousands of SEHS participants, over time researchers can make connections between environmental exposures and health conditions like cancer. To protect your personal information, we identify each wristband by an ID number so the researchers doing the analysis do not know your name or other identifying information. |
Wristband Fact SheetClick on the image to download PDF
SEHS Wristband VideoBiomarker Fact SheetClick on the image to download PDF
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