University of Pittsburgh researchers have asked thousands of parents across eight counties in southwestern Pennsylvania to participate in a study examining a possible link between fracking — or other environmental risk factors — and childhood cancer, according to Yahoo News.

Researchers from Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health are hoping for a response from more than 200 of the recipients to compile a control group for the study.

Although the recent mailings are aimed at parents of children not affected by cancer, Evelyn Talbott, who is leading the study, is hoping they’ll think, “Maybe this isn’t helping me, but maybe I can do it for the common good.”

The study is one of two Pitt is conducting under a $2.5 million contract with the state Department of Health. Talbott’s team is expected to present its findings to state officials by Nov. 15.

Learn more: Yahoo News > Pitt looks to recruit Southwestern Pa. families for childhood cancer study