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Health Effects of Airborne Particulate Matter Near the Salton Sea: A Community-Based Exploratory Project in the Imperial Valley, CA
Description
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A1919 - Health Effects of Airborne Particulate Matter Near the Salton Sea: A Community-Based Exploratory Project in the Imperial Valley, CA
Author Block: S. M. Mack, K. Bein, T. Andrews, K. E. Pinkerton; UC Davis, Davis, CA, United States.
RATIONALE
The Salton Sea is a saline lake located in Southeastern California in the Imperial Valley. As a result of climate change, drought, agricultural practices and rural-urban water transfers, the Sea has become increasingly polluted and is rapidly shrinking. It has recently come under scrutiny as a source of air pollution due to the newly exposed lakebed.
Over the past five years, Imperial County has continuously ranked in the top ten California counties for highest asthma rates. Community members are concerned their breathing problems are due to dust arising from the Salton Sea shore.
The scientific purpose of this study is to examine how airborne particulate matter from the Salton Sea and surrounding sources may aggravate or enhance the susceptibility of developing asthmatic-like symptoms. However, since this is a community-based participatory research project, our goal is to establish a working relationship with organizations and community leaders to learn how best we can help.
METHODS
Comité Cívico del Valle (CCV), a local outreach organization, contacted us to explore the possible connection between inhaled particles and local respiratory health. Our partnership began with the first project proposal, including agreed-upon goals and a project design.
After the project’s inception, we traveled down to Imperial County to get a better sense of the region. We determined that utilizing CCV’s connections with the local high schools and healthcare providers would be the best route to the community. Communications continued with CCV, as well as with the school district to make our presence known, and find a location for the sampling trailer. On the second visit, we talked to high school students and proposed student participation and a community advisory board.
RESULTS
In person meetings with the students and teachers allowed us to observe their enthusiastic desire to help in addressing this critical problem in their community. We developed several ways for students to become involved, both scientifically and through civic engagement. A community advisory board has been created that acts as a liaison between UC Davis and residents, and will be involved in the dissemination of findings and development of future educational materials.
CONCLUSIONS
Community-based participatory research is a true confluence between basic science, public health and legislation. By enabling community-based science, researchers can serve to provide solutions rather than simple scientific answers.
Author Block: S. M. Mack, K. Bein, T. Andrews, K. E. Pinkerton; UC Davis, Davis, CA, United States.
RATIONALE
The Salton Sea is a saline lake located in Southeastern California in the Imperial Valley. As a result of climate change, drought, agricultural practices and rural-urban water transfers, the Sea has become increasingly polluted and is rapidly shrinking. It has recently come under scrutiny as a source of air pollution due to the newly exposed lakebed.
Over the past five years, Imperial County has continuously ranked in the top ten California counties for highest asthma rates. Community members are concerned their breathing problems are due to dust arising from the Salton Sea shore.
The scientific purpose of this study is to examine how airborne particulate matter from the Salton Sea and surrounding sources may aggravate or enhance the susceptibility of developing asthmatic-like symptoms. However, since this is a community-based participatory research project, our goal is to establish a working relationship with organizations and community leaders to learn how best we can help.
METHODS
Comité Cívico del Valle (CCV), a local outreach organization, contacted us to explore the possible connection between inhaled particles and local respiratory health. Our partnership began with the first project proposal, including agreed-upon goals and a project design.
After the project’s inception, we traveled down to Imperial County to get a better sense of the region. We determined that utilizing CCV’s connections with the local high schools and healthcare providers would be the best route to the community. Communications continued with CCV, as well as with the school district to make our presence known, and find a location for the sampling trailer. On the second visit, we talked to high school students and proposed student participation and a community advisory board.
RESULTS
In person meetings with the students and teachers allowed us to observe their enthusiastic desire to help in addressing this critical problem in their community. We developed several ways for students to become involved, both scientifically and through civic engagement. A community advisory board has been created that acts as a liaison between UC Davis and residents, and will be involved in the dissemination of findings and development of future educational materials.
CONCLUSIONS
Community-based participatory research is a true confluence between basic science, public health and legislation. By enabling community-based science, researchers can serve to provide solutions rather than simple scientific answers.
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