The largest federal study of human health begins this week in Wayne County, aimed at uncovering ways to prevent prematurity, autism, asthma, diabetes and other childhood conditions, officials plan to announce today. Wayne County is one of the first 30 areas to launch in the National Children's Study, which will infuse the state with $75 million.

It will involve 100,000 children nationally, including 5,000 in Michigan. Women will be recruited to participate during pregnancy and until their child is 21. Researchers will examine social and environmental factors before any childhood disease develops to discover culprits and interventions.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Dr. Nigel Paneth, the study's principal investigator in Michigan, and a Michigan State University epidemiology professor. "We are going to find out what are the roots of disease in childhood that we don't have the answers to … so the next generation of kids will not have to suffer."Incidence of childhood diseases hasn't changed in decades, Paneth said. That's why the study will examine stress levels, relationships and other social influences.

Water, air and dust will be tested in the family home, along with soil outside. Blood, urine and hair samples also will be taken. Researchers will follow up over the years and once diseases develop, patterns will be examined to identify prevention strategies.

Martha Hancock has hopes for the study since her daughter spent nearly a month in a neonatal intensive care unit when she was born premature in 2003. "It's really exciting that they are taking the time and money to put towards something that can prevent families from going through what we went through," said Hancock, a Southgate resident. Besides MSU, University of Michigan and Wayne State University will collaborate on the study, along with area health systems.