Swati Prakash

Traffic-Related Particulate Matter and Acute Respiratory Symptoms among New York City Area Adolescents

Background Exposure to traffic-related particulate matter (PM) has been associated with adverse respiratory health outcomes in children. Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) are a local driver of urban fine PM [aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5)]; however, evidence linking ambient DEP exposure to acute respiratory symptoms is relatively sparse, and susceptibilities of urban and asthmatic children are inadequately characterized. Objectives We examined associations of daily ambient black carbon (BC) concentrations, a DEP indicator, with daily respiratory symptoms among asthmatic and nonasthmatic adolescents in New York City (NYC) and a nearby suburban community. Methods BC and PM2.5 were monitored continuously outside three NYC high schools and one suburban high school for 4–6 weeks, and daily symptom data were obtained from 249 subjects (57 asthmatics, 192 nonasthmatics) using diaries. Associations between pollutants and symptoms were characterized using multilevel generalized linear mixed models, and modification by urban residence and asthma status were examined. Results Increases in BC were associated with increased wheeze, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Multiple lags of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure were associated with symptoms. For several symptoms, associations with BC and NO2 were significantly larger in magnitude among urban subjects and asthmatics compared with suburban subjects and nonasthmatics, respectively. PM2.5 was not consistently associated with increases in symptoms. Conclusions Acute exposures to traffic-related pollutants such as DEPs and/or NO2 may contribute to increased respiratory morbidity among adolescents, and urban residents and asthmatics may be at increased risk. The findings provide support for developing additional strategies to reduce diesel emissions further, especially in populations susceptible because of environment or underlying respiratory disease.

On the Front Lines: An Environmental Asthma Intervention in New York City

Asthma is now the leading cause of school absence among children of color in impoverished urban neighborhoods. Environmental interventions have the potential to augment clinical approaches to asthma management by directly reducing exposure to environmental triggers (e.g., cockroaches, rodents, and mold). We implemented an apartment-based intervention to reduce exposures to indoor allergens among children living with asthma in 2 areas in New York City with rates of asthma morbidity and mortality that rank among the highest in the United States. Although the intervention phase of the present study is not yet complete, timely reporting of our field experiences may prove useful to other groups engaged in environmental intervention trials in urban communities.

Community-Based Participatory Research and Policy Advocacy to Reduce Diesel Exposure in West Oakland, California

We conducted a multimethod case study analysis of a community-based participatory research partnership in West Oakland, California, and its efforts to study and address the neighborhoods disproportionate exposure to diesel air pollution. We employed 10 interviews with partners and policymakers, participant observation, and a review of documents. Results of the partnerships truck count and truck idling studies suggested substantial exposure to diesel pollution and were used by the partners and their allies to make the case for a truck route ordinance. Despite weak enforcement, the partnerships increased political visibility helped change the policy environment, with the community partner now heavily engaged in environmental decision-making on the local and regional levels. Finally, we discussed implications for research, policy, and practice.

RESPIRATORY IMPACTS OF TRAFFIC-RELATED PARTICLE EXPOSURES ON URBAN YOUTH

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) produce and or exacerbate airway inflammation in animal models, and have been associated with increased respiratory symptoms and diminished lung function in epidemiology studies. DEP is an important component of fine particulates in many urban areas. We hypothesized that respiratory symptom prevalence would differ across two schools that varied with respect to diesel traffic impacts, and that day to day changes in symptoms would correlate with daily concentrations of black carbon, a surrogate for DEP. One school was located along a major highway in an inner city neighborhood; the other was located in a suburban neighborhood upwind of the city. Air monitoring was carried out on the roofs of the two schools for hourly black carbon concentrations and integrated PM2.5 filters. In addition, a meteorological station was established on each school to assess wind speed and direction. Daily symptoms were assessed over a 4–6 week period at each school, with approximately 40 students participating at each school. On average, elemental carbon (EC) levels were approximately 3 fold higher on the urban schools vs. the suburban. Students from the urban school reported having higher bus and truck traffic in busy street close to their homes. Asthma prevalence (evaluated as ever having had diagnosed asthma by a physician) was higher at the urban school (p 0.007). This prevalence remained higher after controlling for differences in SES and ethnicity. In addition, daily symptoms were analyzed in relation to daily EC concentrations. Results of this study highlight the potential health impacts of emissions from traffic sources in inner city locations. This work was funded by NIEHS under grant ES011379.