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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Larry K. Olsen, DrPH, CHES¹, Mohammed Y. Hussain, PhD¹, Thomas Ruiz, MS², Sonya Andron, MPH³, Daniel Galindo, BS, BA⁴, and Hugo Vilchis-Licon, MD, MPH⁵. (1) Department of Health Science, New Mexico State University, College of Health and Social Services, MSC 3446, 1335 International Mall, PO Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM 88011, (505) 646-3526, lolsen@nmsu.edu, (2) Air Quality Bureau Control Strategies Section, Environmental Analyst, New Mexico Environment Department, 1170 H. Solano Dr., Suite M, Las Cruces, NM 88001, (3) New Mexico Department of Health Immunization Program, Vaccines for Children Health Educator, 1190 St. Francis Drive S 1263, Santa Fe, NM 87502, (4) New Mexico Environment Department, 2416 Village Drive, Silver City, NM 88061, (5) New Mexico State University, Director Border Epidemiology & Environmental Health Center, 4200 Research Drive, Academic Research Building B, Suite 101, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001

BACKGROUND: The quality of the air we breathe can predispose individuals to many health problems. At present, continual monitoring of the ambient air quality along the US/Mexico Border is sporadic, at best.

SIGNIFICANCE: This project represents the seminal effort to collect AQ data in this area.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to monitor air quality in two selected US/Mexico border communities and correlate these data with school absenteeism.

METHODS: Two PM 10 Air Quality Monitors were placed in strategic locations within approximately 5 miles of each other. One was placed in the schoolyard of a kindergarten school in Palomas, Mexico, and the other was placed approximately ½ mile from a middle school located in Columbus, NM. A PM 2.5 AQM was also placed at the US/Mexico Border Customs Station located approximately equidistant from the PM 10 monitors. Data were automatically collected by the three monitors. Ambient weather data were also collected. Absenteeism data were obtained from the schools. Correlations between PM volume, type, and ambient weather data were calculated. Temporal distributions and profiles of particulates and absenteeism were developed

FINDINGS: Preliminary findings showed a wide range of endemic particulate matter. Positive correlations between variables were noted. Data collection and analyses will continue through August 2006.

CONCLUSIONS: Specific recommendations for air quality management will be offered. It is expected that if the recommendations are implemented, school absenteeism related to air quality will decrease and the air quality in this area of the US/Mexico Border region will improve.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to describe the how PM levels can affect human health.
• Participants will describe the process used to assess the effect of PM levels on school abseentism.

Keywords: Air Quality, Child Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation