Data to Action: Community-Based Participatory Research to Address Concerns about Metal Air Pollution in Overburdened Neighborhoods near Metal Recycling Facilities in Houston

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dc.citation.articleNumber67006en_US
dc.citation.issueNumber6en_US
dc.citation.journalTitleEnvironmental Health Perspectivesen_US
dc.citation.volumeNumber131en_US
dc.contributor.authorSymanski, Elaineen_US
dc.contributor.authorAn, Han Heyreounen_US
dc.contributor.authorMcCurdy, Sherylen_US
dc.contributor.authorHopkins, Lorenen_US
dc.contributor.authorFlores, Juanen_US
dc.contributor.authorHan, Inkyuen_US
dc.contributor.authorSmith, Mary Annen_US
dc.contributor.authorCaldwell, Jamesen_US
dc.contributor.authorFontenot, Ceceliaen_US
dc.contributor.authorWyatt, Bobbieen_US
dc.contributor.authorMarkham, Christineen_US
dc.date.accessioned2023-07-21T16:13:40Zen_US
dc.date.available2023-07-21T16:13:40Zen_US
dc.date.issued2023en_US
dc.description.abstractBackground: Exposures to environmental contaminants can be influenced by social determinants of health. As a result, persons living in socially disadvantaged communities may experience disproportionate health risks from environmental exposures. Mixed methods research can be used to understand community-level and individual-level exposures to chemical and nonchemical stressors contributing to environmental health disparities. Furthermore, community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches can lead to more effective interventions. Objectives: We applied mixed methods to identify environmental health perceptions and needs among metal recyclers and residents living in disadvantaged neighborhoods near metal recycling facilities in Houston, Texas, in a CBPR study, Metal Air Pollution Partnership Solutions (MAPPS). Informed by what we learned and our previous findings from cancer and noncancer risk assessments of metal air pollution in these neighborhoods, we developed an action plan to lower metal aerosol emissions from metal recycling facilities and enhance community capacity to address environmental health risks. Methods: Key informant interviews, focus groups, and community surveys were used to identify environmental health concerns of residents. A diverse group from academia, an environmental justice advocacy group, the community, the metal recycling industry, and the local health department collaborated and translated these findings, along with results from our prior risk assessments, to inform a multifaceted public health action plan. Results: An evidence-based approach was used to develop and implement neighborhood-specific action plans. Plans included a voluntary framework of technical and administrative controls to reduce metal emissions in the metal recycling facilities, direct lines of communication among residents, metal recyclers, and local health department officials, and environmental health leadership training. Discussion: Using a CBPR approach, health risk assessment findings based on outdoor air monitoring campaigns and community survey results informed a multipronged environmental health action plan to mitigate health risks associated with metal air pollution.en_US
dc.identifier.citationSymanski, Elaine, An, Han Heyreoun, McCurdy, Sheryl, et al.. "Data to Action: Community-Based Participatory Research to Address Concerns about Metal Air Pollution in Overburdened Neighborhoods near Metal Recycling Facilities in Houston." <i>Environmental Health Perspectives,</i> 131, no. 6 (2023) Environmental Health Perspectives: https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11405.en_US
dc.identifier.digitalEHP11405en_US
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11405en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/114974en_US
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.publisherEnvironmental Health Perspectivesen_US
dc.rightsThis work is in the public domain.en_US
dc.titleData to Action: Community-Based Participatory Research to Address Concerns about Metal Air Pollution in Overburdened Neighborhoods near Metal Recycling Facilities in Houstonen_US
dc.typeJournal articleen_US
dc.type.dcmiTexten_US
dc.type.publicationpublisher versionen_US
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