The study, a first of its kind in the South West, is open to expecting mothers aged 18 and over who are non-smokers.

Edith Cowan University, the Artic Assessment and Monitoring Program, the University of WA, Institute of Child Health Research and the National Measurement Institute will conduct the study.

It aims to analyse the levels and the types of substances pregnant women are exposed to and runs until 2011.

Persistent toxic substances are substances that remain in the environment over long periods of time and include pesticides, herbicides, dioxins, brominated flame retardants and heavy metals.

Regional representative Natalie Burgess who is recruiting for the study said it would contribute vital information to a global network of research into the environmental effects on maternal and neonatal health.

"It is important to look at the environmental aspects of growth and development in the individual," she said.

"And also into the way it affects our babies to help us in the future."

Researchers are specifically looking for 160 non-smoking pregnant mums living in the South West.

Women who would like to volunteer to participate in the study will answer a questionnaire about their lifestyle and diet.

Nearing the birth of their baby, they will provide blood, urine and drinking water samples, as well as samples of dust and soil from their home and garden.

This will allow the research team to get as full a picture as possible of the potential sources of exposure to the mother and her child.

At the end of the study each participant will be offered their individual results and, if necessary, advice on how to reduce their level of exposure to these substances.

For further information about the study contact Dr Andrea Hinwood on 6304 5372 or Caroline Barton on 1800 655 398.