BOARD MEETING DATE: July 11, 2003
AGENDA NO. 14

Authorize Transfer of Funds to Brain Tumor & Air Pollution Foundation

SYNOPSIS:

At the February 2003 meeting, the Board recognized 10 percent of Fiscal Year 2002-03 penalty revenue to fund the Brain Tumor & Air Pollution Foundation. This action is to approve transfer of funds to the Brain Tumor & Air Pollution Foundation.

COMMITTEE:

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the transfer of 10 percent FY 2002-2003 penalty revenues (estimated to be approximately $700,000 as of June 30, 2003) from the Asthma and Brain Cancer Research Fund to the Brain Tumor & Air Pollution Foundation.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

At the February 2003 meeting, the Board approved the establishment of the Brain Tumor and Air Pollution Foundation, and recognized ten percent of FY 2002-03 penalty revenues to the "Asthma and Brain Cancer Research Fund," to assist in funding the Foundation. As part of that action, the Board directed an initial transfer of $438,000 from penalty revenue collected in the first half of FY 2002-03.

The Foundation Board of Directors, which includes Board Members Michael Antonovich, James Silva, and Hal Bernson, conducted its first meeting in March 2003 and adopted a general work plan that was subsequently approved by the full Board at the April 2003 meeting. The work plan included a Foundation mission statement, as follows:

"The mission of the Brain Tumor and Air Pollution Foundation is to increase understanding of the impact of air pollution on the incidence of brain tumors. The Foundation will support research to determine whether particular components of air pollution are associated with a higher risk of brain cancer, whether certain segments of the population, such as children, are at greater risk, and determination of better prevention or treatment options."

The Board-approved work plan contains initial areas for research projects, as follows:

Epidemiological research

1. Initial assessment of brain tumor risk
2. Associations of air pollution exposure and brain tumor incidence.

Laboratory studies

3. Study to determine if pollution exposure indicators are present in brain tumor patients.
4. Assess potential for tissue changes from exposure to air pollutants.

The Foundation will report back to the Board upon completion of the funded projects.

Proposal

The Board has previously recognized 10% of FY 2002-03 penalty revenues to the "Asthma and Brain Cancer Research Fund," to assist in funding the Brain Tumor and Air Pollution Foundation. Staff proposes that the Board authorize a transfer of these penalty revenues (estimated to be approximately $700,000 as of June 30, 2003) to the Brain Tumor Foundation for implementation of its research workplan.

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