Abstract:

For approximately one hour, 122 children were videotaped across 4 beaches to observe the activities. Using Videotraq software, developed at Stanford University, the videos were translated into text files of activities by the second within the hour. A text file was created for each beach location. Within these text files, activities were identified including the activity the children engaged in, objects and surfaces the children came into contact with using their hands, and objects and surface the children contacted with the mouth and their hands. Inter-observer agreement was measured on some translated files to maintain quality of translation.

Suggested Citation:

Ferguson, Alesia, Helena Solo-Gabriele, and Kristie Mena. 2020. Micro-level activity patterns of children and the potential exposure patterns to chemicals from oil spills. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/n7-wvhz-5v62

Purpose:

Activity patterns of children were recorded to understand the exposures to chemicals from oil spills. Activity can be related to breathing level for inhalation exposure. Hand to mouth can be related to ingestion exposure. Contact with objects and surfaces (e.g., sand) can be related to dermal exposures.

Data Parameters and Units:

The headers are ChildNo; ChildCode; Location; Left Hand; Right Hand; Mouth; Time; StartTime; and EndTime. ChildCode is the Child ID and contains the name of the beaches. F or M in the child ID indicates whether the child is a female or male. Body part refers to either Left Hand, Right Hand, or Mouth. Location refers to either Seawater, Intertidal, or Berm Crest. Activity refers to either Standing, Sitting, Walking, or Wading. Object/surface refers to items such as food, sand, drinks and skin.

Methods:

Video cameras were used to follow children on beaches to observe their activity related to oil exposure. VideoTraq software was used to translate activity patterns from Videotapes to text files.

Instruments:

Videotraq software

Error Analysis:

Inter-observer agreement was performed, where the researchers compared their interpretation of the videotapes and agree on the location, activity, or objects surfaces chosen. Errors are discussed and sections re-translated if necessary.

Individual Files: