The objective of this project is to examine the relationship between asthma morbidity and exposure to specific chemical species in particulate air pollution. This research extends a previous project by Flavius Lilly, which was presented at the Boston APHA conference. Air pollution in Philadelphia, and other urban areas, has been associated with adverse respiratory health effects including asthma. Philadelphia has one of the highest rates of asthma within the nation. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between daily asthma-related outpatient visits at one of the eight health centers managed by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) and chemical species present in particulate air pollution in the city of Philadelphia. Approximately 14,000 asthma visits per year are recorded at the PDPH health centers. Chemical speciation data is provided by Dr. McDow using gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy; particulates are classified into four categories: alkanes, carboxylic acids, and dicarboxylic acids. Preliminary analyses have shown that these four chemical types increase during peak travel times. We will use time series analysis to relate asthma visits to levels of these compounds, accounting for the anticipated lag time between high air pollutant levels and medical visits for asthma. These analyses may provide important information for regulation officers and public health professionals by helping to clarify the relationship between specific chemical species and asthma.
Learning Objectives: 1. This session will provide infromation on the relationship between asthma morbidity and exposure to specific chemical species in particulate air pollution. 2. Participants for this session will be able to learn about the analysis of the relationship between ashtma morbidity and particulate air pollution. 3. The analysis will provide important information for public health professionals by helping to clarify the relationship between specific chemical species and asthma.
Keywords: Asthma, Air Pollutants
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.