Community-based environmental organization in Massachusetts and elsewhere requested help in designing and interpreting neighborhood health surveys. Residents of contaminated communities often describe clear-cut exposures of concern and symptoms such as skin rashes, cancer, developmental problems and other illnesses that lead them to want a health survey. Methods: A questionnaire has been developed and administered by mail to residents in affected neighborhoods. Typically, a committee of local residents help design the questionnaire to identify sources of past exposure that can be included in a standardized health survey. Various ways of estimating exposure have been developed depending on the circumstances in particular communities. Results: Several examples of completed surveys will be presented and the results interpreted. Strengths and limitations of the surveys will be discussed in the context of clean-up of contaminated areas. Conclusions: Popular epidemiology can address specific questions of concern to residents of contaminated neighborhoods. Community residents can play a central role in designing and conducting such studies.
Learning Objectives: To show how popular epidemiology can address specific questions of concern to residents of contaminated neighborhoods, and how community residents can play a central role in designing and conducting such studies.
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.