Oral

This session about Health Disparities in Communities: Science to Support Environmental Justice Communities provides examples on various and novel research methodologies to assess and address environmental risks for and by disadvantaged population groups. These research strategies adhere to and support the environmental justice principles. On one hand, we will hear about prominent scientific methods to assess the risks of air pollution. The results enhance our understanding about the effects of diesel particles on the respiratory health of pedestrians who frequently cross the U.S.-México border. Similarly, another research project in Ecuador presents the effects of indirect exposure to pesticides on children’s cognitive functions. Researchers found an association between certain children’s neurobehavioral deficits and the cohabitation with family members working in flower fields with heavy pesticide exposure. On the other hand, a team of researchers and residents implemented a participatory research strategy to assess risks and define actions. The program empowered disadvantaged communities to be environmental health scientists, educators, and advocates and conduct changes to protect their health. Finally, a team of researchers presents a novel geo-demographic methodology to identify the social factors, areas, and residents with increased risks of breast cancer as well as protective factors.

Session Objectives: 1)Describe methods to assess exposures and factors that augment the risks of adverse health outcomes of disadvantaged communities. 2)Discuss the strategies of a highly participatory program that supports disadvantaged communities in the identification of environmental risks and in the implementation of environmental protection and advocacy actions.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)