Stella Manchun Tsai, MS, CIH¹, Steven M. Miller, PhD¹, Luis Lim², Jerald Fagliano, MPH, PhD¹, Michael Berry, MPH¹, and Julie R. Petix, MPH¹. (1) Consumer and Environmental Health Services, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 369, Trenton, NJ 08625, 609-588-3120, stella.tsai@doh.state.nj.us, (2) NJ Department of Environmental Protection, PO Box 418, Trenton, NJ 08625

National statistics indicate that asthma prevalence and mortality have increased in recent years. In 1999, ninety New Jersey (NJ) residents died from asthma, and asthma accounted for more than 14,000 hospitalizations. This study examines whether air toxics data may be used in an epidemiologic study of asthma hospitalization. The US Environmental Protection Agency National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) data provides model predictions for 33 air toxics using emissions inventories at the census tract level. Of these air toxics, cadmium, chromium, formaldehyde, and nickel are possible asthmagens and were predicted above established health benchmark levels in NJ. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has four air toxics monitoring stations located in the towns of Camden, Chester, Elizabeth, and New Brunswick. In this study, we use NATA model predictions to present distributions of asthmagens at the municipal level by applying the ArcMapTM geographic information system. Distributional characteristics of NATA estimates for asthmagens are examined to determine the feasibility of using the data for epidemiologic analysis (spread, possible cutpoints, sizes of exposed populations, potential confounders such as socioeconomic factors, power). Additionally, the representativeness of the monitoring station locations for asthmagens is evaluated. The distribution of NATA data in the 4 municipalities with monitoring stations is compared to the statewide distribution to demonstrate the representativeness of the monitoring stations for the asthmagens. Previous DEP analyses show good correlation between NATA and monitored data for volatile organic chemicals at Camden. This analysis further examines the question for asthmagens at the 4 monitoring stations.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to recognize the distributions of four asthmagens at municipality level in NJ, and the suitability of air toxics exposure data from NATA model predictions and four monitoring stations for an epidemiologic study of asthma hospitalization.

Keywords: Hazardous Air Pollutants, Asthma

Related Web page: www.state.nj.us/dep/airmon/airtoxics/njatp.htm, www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/nata/

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.