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.articleNumber67006
dc.citation.issueNumber6
dc.citation.journalTitleEnvironmental Health Perspectives
dc.citation.volumeNumber131
dc.contributor.authorSymanski, Elaine
dc.contributor.authorAn, Han Heyreoun
dc.contributor.authorMcCurdy, Sheryl
dc.contributor.authorHopkins, Loren
dc.contributor.authorFlores, Juan
dc.contributor.authorHan, Inkyu
dc.contributor.authorSmith, Mary Ann
dc.contributor.authorCaldwell, James
dc.contributor.authorFontenot, Cecelia
dc.contributor.authorWyatt, Bobbie
dc.contributor.authorMarkham, Christine
dc.date.accessioned2023-07-21T16:13:40Z
dc.date.available2023-07-21T16:13:40Z
dc.date.issued2023
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.
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.
dc.identifier.digitalEHP11405
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11405
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/114974
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherEnvironmental Health Perspectives
dc.rightsThis work is in the public domain.
dc.titleData to Action: Community-Based Participatory Research to Address Concerns about Metal Air Pollution in Overburdened Neighborhoods near Metal Recycling Facilities in Houston
dc.typeJournal article
dc.type.dcmiText
dc.type.publicationpublisher version
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