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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Amy J. Dunn, MPH¹, Adam N. Akullian², and George V. Alexeeff, PhD, DABT¹. (1) Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1600, Oakland, CA 94612, 510-622-3183, adunn@oehha.ca.gov, (2) Center for Environmental Studies, Brown University, P.O. Box 6293, Providence, RI 02912

This project identifies scientific principles guiding risk evaluation of communities disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution. Existing activities within the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), a department within California's Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA), were examined to identify underlying scientific principles. OEHHA's role in Cal/EPA is to evaluate risks associated with exposure to toxic substances. Case studies of specific communities facing high exposure levels were explored. These communities include Latino children in San Diego county facing high levels of blood lead, children attending schools located near freeways in Oakland, sportfishers throughout the state, and a neighborhood in San Diego experiencing high levels of chromium from metal plating shops. We evaluated community characteristics, exposure sources, and public health impacts of chemical exposures. From this analysis, we identified the following underlying principles to assist community-focused risk assessment activities: 1) Exposure patterns or cultural practices may result in higher risks for certain groups of people in comparison to the general population. 2) Susceptibility may be increased in certain individuals due to their genetic make-up, age, or other biological characteristics, or pre-existing conditions. 3) Cumulative impacts on public health may occur due to exposure to multiple pollutants. 4) Outreach and community involvement are essential to the success of public health programs, and can enhance risk assessments. These principles need to be addressed when risks faced by a community are assessed, if public health is to be adequately protected.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• List three to four principles underlying well-conducted community risk assessments.
• Describe a specific community where these principles would apply, and how the application of the principle(s) improves assessment of health hazards facing this community.
• Analyze the adequacy of a community risk assessment to determine if it addresses these principles.

Keywords: Environmental Exposures, Environmental Justice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered