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Kimberly A. Tromatore1, Steven P. Girardot, MS2, Charles Hamilton, DrPH, MA1, P. Barry Ryan, PhD3, and Susan M. Smith, MPH, EdD4. (1) Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Tennessee, 1914 Andy Holt Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996, 865-974-4215, ktromato@utk.edu, (2) Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, (3) Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, (4) The UT Safety Center, The University of Tennessee, 1914 Andy Holt Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-2710
Epidemiologic studies involving associations between various exposures and health outcomes in humans have been conducted extensively in urban and suburban locations. However, the potential for significant population exposure and risk can occur in regions which are relatively remote. Because of the many challenges and limitations associated with attempting research in such areas, public health issues may not be fully investigated. A recent observational study conducted at Newfound Gap, a high-elevation (5048 ft) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, will be used to illustrate a successful effort to address a public health issue in a remote location. Despite experiencing severe air pollution episodes, the Park has not been host to any studies attempting to document possible adverse health effects of poor air quality on its over nine million annual visitors. In the fall of 2002 and summer of 2003, a health study was conducted on day hikers to determine a possible relationship between ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and pulmonary health. Despite the lack of modern essentials such as electricity, an innovative methodology was developed and implemented to study this association. Protocols were developed to measure pulmonary function, assess real-time air pollution exposures, document hiking profiles, and survey the health history and demographic information of participating hikers. Two five-member teams were trained and employed to recruit hikers and oversee all aspects of the data collection. It is hoped that the protocols and methods developed in this project will prove useful to other researchers attempting epidemiologic studies in similar areas.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.