Air Quality in Latino Communities

Latino Environmental Health Project Air Quality Fact Sheet

Latino Environmental Health Project Asthma Fact Sheet

Guia Para Un Hogar Saludable y A Salvo de Plomo para Los Ninos: Todos los niños merecen un lugar saludable para vivir, sea en su propia casa o en una casa alquilada. Por estar pequeños y en el proceso de crecimiento, son más sensibles que los adultos a los peligros del hogar. Este folleto le ayudará a protegerse a sí mismo y a su familia.League of United Latin American Citizens: Air of Injustice, How Air Pollution Affects the Health of Hispanics and Latinos, July 2004: This report confirms what many have feared: Hispanic communities disproportionately suffer health problems that result from living with pollution from power plants. Low-income and minority populations are subject to elevated environmental risks throughout the country, so this finding may not be surprising. But it is factual information that can provide a foundation for change.

 

Natural Resources Defense Council: Hidden Danger, Environmental Health Threats in the Latino Community, October 2004: Pollution in the United States poses health risks for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, or country of origin. A large percentage of U.S. Latinos, however, live and work in urban and agricultural areas where they face heightened danger of exposure to air pollution, unsafe drinking water, pesticides, and lead and mercury contamination.

New Edition of Hispanic Environmental Health Page Focuses on Pesticides
EPA has released a new Hispanic environmental health page on pesticides in its Spanish-language portal.  The page discusses health and environmental issues associated with the proper use of pesticides and informational resources in Spanish and English.  This page is part of the Hispanic environmental health page, "El medio ambiente y su salud."

Study: Asthma education aiding inner city Latinos
This study shows that an education program designed for Latino asthma sufferers has shown promise for improving patients' asthma control and quality of life. The study focused on a sample of 198 asthmatic adults living in a predominately Hispanic area of New York City, and it found that a Latino focused asthma education program that included information on managing asthma as a chronic condition and tools for how to avoid common environmental triggers, helped cut hospital visits for asthma attacks and lessen the burden the lung disease put on patients' lives. Overall, the study found, the education program cut patients' emergency room visits by 40 percent and hospitalizations by 36 percent over one year. Study participants also reported gains in quality of life.

 

New Voices for Change: Environmental Health Issues in Latino Communities of the San Joaquin Valley - Latino Issues Forum (August 2004)
This report captures the realities and personal perspectives of some of the communities most negatively affected by the environmental degradation of the Valley. Moreover, this report marks an unprecedented effort to connect with some of the most remote communities of the Valley. This has allowed us to view how environmental health issues impact their lives and the manner in which various public, private and civic groups respond to their needs. The report includes survey and dialogue feedback of over 370 Latino, predominately Spanish-speaking residents from the Valley. The feedback was gathered through the course of 26 pl‡ticas (community dialogues) conducted throughout the Valley.

Taking Action: Confronting the Health, Social and Environmental Factors Associated with Asthma in the Latino Community - Latino Issues Forum (January 2001)
In 1999, Latino Issues Forum published a report titled, "Confronting Asthma in the Latino Community." This report provided an overview of the impact of asthma in the Latino community. In conjunction with that report, LIF held several community forums bringing together community organizations, health advocates, environmental advocates, and school staff and administration. Based on the information shared and the community response it was evident that not only was asthma an important and serious concern in the community, but that there was very little local data on asthma. Asthma has become a rapidly escalating and deadly issue that encompasses the social, environmental and economic realities of the communities in which many Latinos live. This is the first report to focus on data analysis of asthma in the Latino community, that not only discusses the physical health and health access perspectives but also integrates air quality, housing, and school-related issues.

The Clean Air Color Line - Environmental Working Group (2002)
Residents of predominantly non-Anglo or poorer neighborhoods in California are much more likely to breathe harmful levels of airborne soot and dust than residents of more affluent or white neighborhoods, according to state and federal data analyzed by Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Confronting Asthma in California's Latino Communities - Latino Issues Forum (April 1999)
The purpose of this brief is to illustrate the unique problem of Latinos and asthma. Despite the dramatic increase in asthma cases and the growing costs of asthma, policy makers, health care providers, and schools have been slow to address asthma and the issues that exacerbate asthma, including allergies and pollution. While all of California's communities are affected by rising asthma rates, Latino children in particular are impacted by the growing asthma problem. Geographic concentration in areas with poor air quality, lack of access to quality health care, and communication barriers all exacerbate existing asthma conditions, and contribute to increased illnesses and hospitalizations from asthma. Considering that Latinos are currently the state's fastest growing ethnic group and that within the next forty years they will account for the majority of Californians, the potential impact of asthma on California is enormous.

Asthma 101

Struggling to Breathe: The Epidemic of Asthma Among Children and Adolescents in the San Joaquin Valley: The high prevalence of asthma in San Joaquin Valley communities makes ongoing surveillance of critical importance to detect and manage this chronic health condition. Currently, asthma is not a reportable public health condition, making it difficult to monitor its prevalence and produce precise data for local communities. Results from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (2001 CHIS) have helped compensate for the historical absence of detailed regional and local surveillance data. Data are presented to inform policy-makers, agencies, organizations, and communities concerned about this chronic condition and its effect on the health and well-being of children and adolescents, their families, and their communities.

Asthma policy: Examples of asthma policies being implemented in communities across the state as part of the Communities to Fight Asthma (CAFA) Initiative are available on the CalAsthma web site.

Online Asthma Education Center
The content for this interactive site is strictly evidence-based and includes video, photographs, many links to resources for each topic covered, plus printable summaries of five main asthma segments (About Asthma; Causes and Triggers; Symptoms and Diagnosis; Treatment; and Prevention). The AEC is designed primarily for use by the public and as an educational tool for some clinical settings.

State legislation related to asthma and environmental triggers
The Calasthma website has the latest information on state legislation related to asthma and environmental triggers. Here you will be able to download summary information on California State bills pertaining to Indoor Air in Homes, Indoor Air in Schools, Outdoor Air, and Clinical policies.

Checklist for school districts addressing the needs of students with asthma (PDF)

The Collaborative on Health and the Environment Discussion Group on Asthma and the Environment - CHE's Discussion Group on Asthma and the Environment explores the connection between environmental contaminants and asthma, and the needs and opportunities for reducing environmental exposures. The group has a particular interest in links between air quality and health, and may expand its agenda to include work on other chronic diseases affected by air pollution. Our conference calls focus on emerging science and on innovative efforts to reduce exposures. The group includes scientists, health-affected groups and community organizations.

Air Quality Index Chart: Recommendations for Schools on Poor Air Quality Days
The chart is intended to be used as a guide to modify outdoor activities on poor air quality days, specifically days when ground-level ozone reaches unhealthy levels. While this chart is designed around school-specific activities (recess, lunch, physical education) it can be used for anyone participating in outdoor activities.

The Asthma Health Outcomes Project reports on successful asthma programs.

Asthma prevalence statistics from the CDC - QuickStats: Percentage of Children Aged <18 Years with Current Asthma, by Race/Ethnicity and Sex - United States, 2001-2004

Allies Against Asthma Tools for Assessing Asthma Educational Materials
The Allies Against Asthma Resource Bank is a centralized database for sharing information about resources, tools and materials that may be useful to coalitions and community programs addressing asthma.

CVAQ groups working with asthma issues:

American Lung Association of Central CA
RAMP (Regional Asthma Management and Prevention Initiative)
Merced and Mariposa County Asthma Coalition

Scientific Studies and Research

Analysis of Primary Fine Particle National Ambient Air Quality Standard Metrics 
Johnson PRS, Graham JJ, Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 56:206–218 (Feb. 2006).
An analysis of air quality monitoring data found that 78 percent of the U.S. population could be protected if EPA lowers both the daily and annual average air quality standards for fine particles. This level of protection would be achieved if the daily standard were lowered from 65 µg/m3 to 30 µg/m3, in conjunction with a lowering of the annual average standard of 15 µg/m3 to a level of 12 µg/m3. The analysis found that the 30/12 µg/m3 suite of standards provides nearly equivalent 24-hour and annual control of PM2.5 distributions across the U.S., thus ensuring a more uniform and consistent level of protection than achieved by lowering only the daily standard.

Race, Poverty, and Potential Exposure of Middle-School Students to Air Emissions from Confined Swine Feeding Operations
Mirabelli, Maria, et al., Environ Health Perspect, 114: 591-596 (2006).
Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) can pollute the surrounding air with malodorous compounds, bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin. CAFO-related health impacts have been investigated primarily in adults,but children may be at greater risk because of their size and developmental stage. Since children spend considerable time at school,researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill conducted an investigation of schools' proximity to swine CAFOs to determine the extent to which students may be exposed to airborne CAFO emissions. They determined that some students may encounter CAFO-associated exposures at school and also found that students of color and of low socioeconomic status were the most likely to be affected.

Particulate Air Pollution and Hospital Admissions for Congestive Heart Failure in Seven United States Cities
Wellenius GA, Schwartz J, and Mittleman MA, Am J Cardiol, Volume 97, Issue 3, 404-408 (February 2006).
PM10 concentrations below current EPA standards are associated with an increased rate of hospital admissions for congestive heart failure, in a study of seven U.S. cities.

Particulate Air Pollution and the Rate of Hospitalization for Congestive Heart Failure among Medicare Beneficiaries in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Wellenius GA, Bateson TF, Mittleman MA, Schwartz J., Am J Epidem 2005; 161:1030-1036.
The results of this study suggest that short-term elevations in air pollution from traffic-related sources may trigger acute cardiac decompensation in heart failure patients.

The Relationship between Ambient Air Pollution and Heart Rate Variability Differs for Individuals with Heart and Pulmonary Disease
Bell, Michelle, et al., Environ Health Perspect, 114: 560-566 (2006).
This study looks at associations between concentrations of ambient fine particles [particulate matter < 2.5 µm aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5)] and heart rate variability (HRV). Results suggest an important role for traffic-related pollution.

Increased Risk of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Episodes Associated with Acute Increases in Ambient Air Pollution
Rich DQ, et al, Environ Health Perspec, 114:120-123 (2006). 
This study evaluated cardiac arrhythmias in patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators in association with various measures of community air pollution. Breathing increased ambient ozone concentrations during the previous hour was associated with increased risk of episodes of a particular type of cardiac arrythmia, suggesting that community air pollution may be a precipitant of these events. These episodes, known as atrial fibrillation, are not generally considered lethal, but are tied to an increased risk of premature death, People with this condition have a 5-fold increased risk of stroke if their episodes are not controlled by medication.

Induction of Asthma and the Environment: What we know and need to know
Selgrade, Mary et al., Environ Health Perspect, 114: 615-619 (2006). 
In this article, we briefly characterize asthma and its public health and economic impacts, and intervention strategies that have been successfully used to prevent induction of asthma in the workplace. We conclude with the findings of seven working groups that focus on ambient air, indoor pollutants (biologics) , occupational exposures, early life stages, older adults, intrinsic susceptibility, and lifestyle. These groups found strong scientific support for public health efforts to limit in utero and postnatal exposure to cigarette smoke. However, with respect to other potential types of interventions, participants noted many scientific questions, which are summarized in this article. Research to address these questions could have a significant public health and economic impact that would be well worth the investment.  

Prevalence and implementation of IAQ programs in U.S. Schools
Moglia, Dena, et al., Environ Health Perspect, 114:141-146 (2006).
The investigators determined the extent to which U.S. schools are implementing indoor air quality (IAQ) programs. According to the study results, forty-two percent of schools in the U.S. have an IAQ management program, and there has been sustained growth from 1998-2002 in the number of schools that have such programs. Nearly half of those schools use the EPA's Tools for Schools program.

Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Hospital Admission for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases
Francesca Dominici, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association, 295:1127-1134 (2006).
This study finds that short-term exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk for hospital admission for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The researchers used data from the new national monitoring network for PM 2.5.

The Exposure-Response Curve for Ozone and Risk of Mortality and the Adequacy of Current Ozone Regulations
Michelle Bell, et al., Environ Health Perspect, Vol. 14, No. 4, April 2006.
The study, sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control, found that if a safe level for ozone exists, it is only at very low or natural levels and far below current U.S. and international regulations. The study finds that even if all 98 counties in the study met the current ozone standard every day, there would still be a significant link between ozone and premature mortality, indicating that further reductions in ozone pollution would benefit public health, even in areas that meet regulatory requirements.

Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Mortality in Nine California Counties: Results from CALFINE
Bart Ostro, et al., Environ Health Perspect, Vol. 114, No. 1, January 2006.
In one of the first studies of its kind, scientists at Cal/EPA's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and the University of California have found that fine particles emitted by motor vehicles and other sources may increase deaths from heart and lung ailments in California. While many studies have documented that airborne particulate matter in general (defined as particles less than 10 microns in diameter) can increase death rates, the OEHHA study was one of the first to examine such associations involving fine particles (defined as particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter).

Reduction in Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Mortality: Extended Follow-up of the Harvard Six Cities Study
Laden, Francine, et al., American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Vol 173, pp. 667-672 (2006).
This article discusses the findings of investigators who extended the Harvard Six Cities fine particulate air pollution study by eight years and found that reduced levels of tiny particle pollution during this period lowered mortality risk for participants. The investigators found that the largest drops in adjusted mortality rates were in cities with the greatest reduction in fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5). They report that this reduction was observed specifically for deaths due to cardiovascular and respiratory disease and not from lung cancer, a disease with a longer latency period and less reversibility. 

Air Pollution an Birth Weight Among Term Infants in California
Parker JD, Woodruff TJ, Basu R, Schoendorf KC, Pediatrics, 115:121-128 (2005).
A study of California infants who were born full term has shown a small but consistent effect of PM2.5 on birth weight. Researchers matched air pollution monitoring data with California birth records. The pollution measurements were collected within 5 miles of the mother’s residence, and were averaged for the time period corresponding to the pregnancy. California mothers who lived in areas with the highest PM2.5 exposures during their pregnancy delivered slightly smaller babies, by 30 grams, compared to those with lower exposures, after controlling for demographic factors and carbon monoxide. No associations were observed between carbon monoxide and birth weight.

Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Air Pollution and Selected Causes of Postneonatal Infant Mortality in California
Woodruff TJ, Parker JD, Schoendorf KC, Environ Health Perspec, 114:786–790 (2006).
A follow-up study by the same research group linked PM2.5 monitoring data to infants born in California in 1999 and 2000 using the addresses of mothers who lived within five miles of a monitor.

Childhood Asthma and Student Performance at School
Taras, H., et al., Journal of School Health, Vol. 75, No. 8:296-312 (October 2005).
This article examines the connection between asthma and student performance. Research reveals evidence that rates of absenteeism are higher among students with asthma.

Asthma and Farm Exposures in a Cohort of Rural Iowa Children
Merchant, James, et al., Environ Health Perspect, 113:350-356 (2005).
Epidemiologic studies of farm children are of international interest because farm children are less often atopic, have less allergic disease, and often have less asthma than do nonfarm children--findings consistent with the hygiene hypothesis. This project studied a cohort of rural Iowa children to determine the association between farm and other environmental risk factors with four asthma outcomes. The high prevalence of rural childhood asthma and asthma symptoms underscores the need for asthma screening programs and improved asthma diagnosis and treatment. The high prevalence of asthma health outcomes among farm children living on farms that raise swine and raise swine and add antibiotics to feed, despite lower rates of atopy and personal histories of allergy, suggests the need for awareness and prevention measures and more population-based studies to further assess environmental and genetic determinants of asthma among farm children.

A Preliminary Investigation of Asthma Mortality in Schools
Greiling, A., et al., Journal of School Health, Vol. 75, No. 8: 286-290 (October 2005).
Key factors in preventing asthma deaths and exacerbations in schools include identification of students with diagnosed asthma, communication with parents and health care providers, removal of triggers in the immediate school environment, and maximizing access to needed medications.

Mounting Evidence Indicts Fine-Particle Pollution
Science Magazine, Vol. 307:1858-1861, March 25, 2005.
Particle air pollution clearly causes substantial deaths and illness, but what makes fine particles so toxic - the size, the chemical compound, or both?

Asthma among California's Children, Adults and the Elderly: A Geographic Look by Legislative Districts
Mendez-Luck, Carolyn A., et al., UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Sept 2004.
A new policy brief from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research presents data by California legislative and Congressional districts on the asthma symptom rates for the more three million California children, adults and elderly who suffered from the condition in 2002. This policy brief highlights the geographic variation in asthma rates across the state for all Californians previously diagnosed with asthma that had at least one symptom in the previous year. The first of-its-kind, sub-county data in this publication are useful for policymakers, advocates and medical providers who are working to address the growing problem of asthma throughout California and within local communities.

Air Resources Board study links diesel fumes to illnesses
A recent study on the cargo industry concentrated around major seaports found that air pollutants generated by California's cargo industry will result in about 750 premature deaths this year and tens of billions of dollars in related healthcare costs over the next 15 years. Diesel-burning ships, trains and trucks tied to the state's explosive international trade industry are largely responsible for the pollution problem, according to the study by the state Air Resources Board staff. The study warns that Californians who live near ports, rail yards and along high-traffic corridors are subsidizing the goods-movement sector with their health. Public hearings on the proposed steps to reduce pollution will be held throughout California in early 2006.

Childhood Asthma and Exposure to Traffic and Nitrogen Dioxide
Gauderman, J., et al., Epidemiology, 16(6):737-743, November 2005.
This study shows that children's risk of being diagnosed with asthma increases the closer they live to freeways.

Characterizing the range of children's air pollutant exposure during school bus commutes
Sabin, L., et al., Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environ Epidemiology, 15, 377-387 (2005).
This study reports on the measured real-time and integrated (averaged over a specific time period) air concentrations inside of three types of school buses--conventional, older diesel, diesel with particle trap, and compressed natural gas.

Ambient Air Pollution and Atherosclerosis in Los Angeles
KŸnzli, N., et al., Environ Health Perspect., 2005 Feb;113(2):201-6.
New research article showing that the connection between air pollution and early death to be three times as large as that reported in past studies of cities in the United States.

Ozone and Short-term Mortality in 95 US Urban Communities, 1987-2000
Bell, ML, et al., JAMA, 292:2372-2378 (2004).
This study was the first large, nationwide endeavor that links day-to-day ozone levels with an increased number of deaths. The researchers said they found a link between mortality and ozone even in areas with low pollution, at levels below the current federal health standard. The study found that when ozone levels increased by a fairly small amount, 10 parts per billion, the daily deaths from non-injury causes over the next few days increased on average 0.52 percent [or an estimated 3767 additional deaths annually for the 95 communities studied]. For cardiovascular and respiratory deaths, the increase was slightly higher, 0.64 percent, and for senior citizens, deaths increased by 0.70 percent.

Struggling to breathe: The epidemic of asthma among children and adolescents in the San Joaquin Valley
Hernandez, R., et al., Central California Children's Institute, CSU Fresno (2004).
The results of the Valley-based 2001 CHIS indicate that there are differences or disparities in the prevalence of asthma and asthma symptoms among children by age, gender, ethnicity, income level and place of residence. Asthma-related costs include health care for asthma management, local revenues lost through decreased school attendance, and disruptions in daily routines that may affect the employment, income, and quality of life of families of children diagnosed with asthma.

The Effect of Air Pollution on Lung Development from 10 to 18 Years of Age
Gauderman, et al., New England Journal of Medicine (2004).
The University of Southern California study, which followed over 1,700 Los Angeles-area children for eight years, found a link between lung damage and living in cities with elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide, acid vapor and PM10 particulates. Researchers concluded that children's lungs do not recover from damage sustained by breathing air with high levels of ground-level pollution.

Children's Health Study Finds Slower Lung Function Growth Rate, Asthma Onset in Children Exposed to Pollution
California Air Resources Board (May 14, 2004).
The Children's Health Study, which began in 1992, is a large, long-term, study of the effects of chronic air pollution exposures on the health of children living in Southern California. Children may be more strongly affected by air pollution because their lungs and their bodies are still developing. Children are also exposed to more air pollution than adults since they breathe faster and spend more time outdoors in strenuous activities.

Inside the Greenhouse: The Impacts of CO2 and Climate Change on Public Health in the Inner City
Epstein, P., and Rogers, C., Report from the Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard Medical School (2004).
Millions of poor and minority children in America's cities likely will suffer even higher rates of asthma as the result of a "powerful one-two punch" of higher levels of pollen and changes in the types of molds spurred by global warming along with unhealthy urban air masses caused by the burning of fossil fuel by cars, trucks and buses, according to a warning issued by Harvard researchers and the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Cardiovascular Mortality and Long-Term Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution: Epidemiological Evidence of General Pathophysiological Pathways of Disease
Pope, C.A. et al., Circulation, Vol. 109, No. 1: 71-77 (Jan. 2004).
Air pollution causes twice as many deaths from heart disease as it does from lung cancer and other respiratory ailments. Long-term exposure to particulate matter is most strongly associated with mortality attributable to ischemic heart disease, dysrhythmias, heart failure and cardiac arrest. This study shows that a 10 mg/m3 rise in fine particulate matter concentrations raises the risk of death from these cardiovascular diseases by 13 to 18%.

Residential Proximity to Traffic and Adverse Birth Outcomes in Los Angeles County, California, 1994-1996
Wilhelm, M., and Ritz, G., Environ Health Perspect., Vol. 111, No. 2: 207-216 (Feb. 2003).
Researchers at the School of Public Health at the University of California Los Angeles found that women living close to heavily traveled roadways experience a 10-20% increase in the risk of preterm birth and of term low birth weight in infants. Those women who live in high background air pollution areas, impoverished areas, or whose third trimester fell during the autumn and winter months, when pollution levels are higher, experienced even higher risks - a 39% greater risk of having a low birth weight and a 24% greater risk of having a preterm low birth weight infant. These risk factors control for socioeconomic status, maternal age, race, and prenatal care.

Effects of Ambient Air Pollution on Symptom Severity and Medication Use in Children with Asthma
Slaughter, J.C., et al., Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Vol. 91, No. 4: 346-53 (Oct. 2003).
Researchers at the University of Washington investigated the short-term effects of air pollutants on a panel of 133 children with asthma and found that increases in particulate matter are significantly associated with an increased odds of a more severe asthma attacks and medication use. The study found that a 10 µ/m3 rise in fine particulate matter concentrations increased by 20 percent the child's risk of having a more serious asthma attack the day following exposure to particulate matter.

Particulate Air Pollution And Morbidity In The California Central Valley: A High Particulate Pollution Region
Van Den Eeden S.K., et al., Final report prepared for California Air Resources Board (July 2002).
Increased particulate pollution directly correlates with increased hospitalization and emergency room visits for chronic and acute respiratory ailments in California's Central Valley. Every additional 10 microgram per cubic meter (mg/m3) of PM-2.5 increased hospitalizations and emergency room visits due to chronic respiratory ailments by 7.5 and 6.5 percent respectively. With current particulate levels in the Central Valley, this can led to over 90 and 100 percent increases in hospital and ER visits.

Lung Cancer, Cardiopulmonary Mortality and Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution
Pope, C.A. et al., JAMA, Vol. 287, No. 9 (March 2002).
People living in the most polluted cities have a 16% increased risk of lung cancer compared to those living amidst cleaner air. This risk is on par with long-term exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke or moderate obesity. For every 10-mg/m3 increase in fine particulate air pollution, the risk of cardiopulmonary and lung cancer deaths increases 6% and 8% respectively.

Asthma in exercising children exposed to ozone: a cohort study
McConnell, Rob, et al., The Lancet, Vol. 359: 386-391 (Feb. 2002).
Ozone not only aggravates asthma symptoms, it may cause new cases in active, healthy children. A study conducted in southern California shows that children ages 9-11 who play three or more sports in a high ozone and particulate matter area are 3.3 times more likely to develop asthma. Active girls are at the greatest risk, with 4.7 times the risk of developing asthma than girls living in low pollution areas. The study followed the development of 265 new cases of asthma out of 3535 healthy children over four years.

The Importance of Population Susceptibility for Air Pollution Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Power Plants Near Washington D.C.
Levy, Jonathan I., Environ Health Perspect., Vol. 110 No. 12: 1253-1260 (Dec. 2002).
This study shows disproportional impacts of pollution on lower educated, diabetics, and African Americans. The Harvard School of Public Health and Department of Environmental Health study found that if five older power plants in the Washington D.C. area were to implement the Best Available Control Measures, as stipulated by the Clean Air Act, they would prevent 240 premature deaths, 60 cardiovascular hospital admissions, and 160 asthma emergency room visits. The research presents a strong case to consider socio-economic demographics when designing pollution control regulations. For example, while only 25 percent of the population studied had less than a high school education, this group suffers approximately half of the mortality caused by the plants emissions.

Inhalation of Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Ozone Causes Acute Arterial Vasoconstriction in Healthy Adults
Brook, R.D., Circulation, Vol. 105; 1534-1536 (Apr. 2002).
This study is part of the ongoing attempt to understand the physiological mechanism for particulates and ozone to affect non-respiratory systems. The experimental study found that exposing 25 people to elevated concentrations of fine particulates and ozone (to mimic exposure in urban areas) caused their blood vessels to constrict 2-4%. Even a very short-term exposure causes this constriction, enough to trigger cardiac events in those at risk of heart disease.

Effect of Air Pollutants on Acute Stroke Mortality
Hong, et al., Environ Health Perspect., Vol. 110 No. 2 (Feb. 2002).
Women and elderly are at an especially high risk of acute stroke death due to the effects of particulate air pollutants. For every 10-mg/m3 increase in particulate matter and ozone, the researchers observed a 1.5 % and 2.9% increase in deaths caused by stroke across all demographics.

U.S. Cancer Risk Estimates Determined for Diesel Exhaust Particles
Burnett, T.R., et al., JAMA, Vol. 287 No. 9 (March 6, 2002).

Diesel Exhaust Particles Linked to Asthma
Pandya, Robert, et al., Environ Health Perspect., 110 (suppl. 1): 103-112 (2002).
Several components of air pollution have been linked to asthma. In addition to the well-studied critera air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone, diesel exhaust and diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) also appear to play a role in respiratory and allergic diseases. DEPs appear to have greater immunologic effects in the presence of environmental allergens than they do alone. This immunologic evidence may help explain the epidemiologic studies indicating that children living along major trucking thoroughfares are at increased risk for asthmatic and allergic symptoms and are more likely to have objective evidence of respiratory dysfunction.

Asthma in California in 2001: High Rates Affect Most Population Groups
Brown, Richard et al., California Health Interview Survey (May 2002).
Asthma is the number one cause of emergency room visits in the United States. One in six children in Fresno County have asthma. Fresno County has the highest prevalence rates of childhood asthma in the state - 16.4% - compared to a state average of 9.6% and a national average of 5.3%. In California alone, there were 300,000 asthma-related visits in 2001. Native American, Latino, and African American populations are hit the hardest due to lack of access to health care.

Scientific Findings on Air Pollution Link to Asthma, Other Respiratory Illnesses
Moore, Curtis and Bates, David M.D. (Eds.), Health and Clean Air Newsletter, (Fall 2001).
Each year air pollution claims upwards of 50,000 lives in the United States alone, but this and other information too often fails to make its way out of the pages of scientific journals and into the hands and minds of ordinary citizens to whom it is vitally important. The Health and Clean Air Newsletter is our attempt to make this information available to readers ranging from the heads of parent teacher associations to reporters, without sacrificing accuracy.

Passage of Inhaled Particles into the Blood Circulation in Humans
Nemmar, A. et al., Circulation, Vol. 105: 411-414 (Dec. 2001).
A research team in Belgium demonstrated a likely physiological pathway for inhaled particulates to cause non-respiratory damage such as heart attacks. By using a tracer molecule, they found that inhaled fine particulates are able to transfer from the lungs to the circulatory system - within minutes the particles disperse in the blood vessels and enter the heart and other organs. Via this pathway, the fine particulates can lead to an array of cardiovascular diseases.

Increased Particulate Air Pollution and the Triggering of Myocardial Infarction
Peters, Annette et al., Circulation, Vol. 103: 2810-2815 (March 2001).
This Harvard research team was the first to prove that elevated concentrations of particulate matter not only aggravate existing cardiac conditions, but also can actually cause myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) in healthy adults. This study has important implications for particulate matter monitoring. Currently, only a 24-hour average is monitored whereas even a two-hour exposure to increased levels of particulate matter, such as experienced when sitting in traffic, can trigger a heart attack.

Human Health Effects of Agriculture: Physical Diseases and Illnessess
Kirkhorn, Steven, et al., National Ag Safety Database, (2001).
This paper discusses the progress made in identification of new respiratory syndromes related to confined animal feeding operations, pesticide-related illnesses, cancers implicated with agricultural exposures, and ergonomics in agriculture. The focus will be upon the current state of knowledge in these areas, recommendations for further improvement in research techniques, and the potential application of this information to improve human health in production agriculture nation wide.

Effect of Air Pollution on Preterm Birth Among Children Born in Southern California Between 1989 and 1993
Ritz, Beate et al., Epidemiology, Vol. 11: 502-511 (2000).
Researchers at the School of Public Health at the University of California Los Angeles evaluated the effect of PM-10, ozone, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, and exposure during pregnancy on the occurrence of preterm birth in a cohort of 97,518 neonates born in Southern California. The study found that the frequency of preterm births is significantly higher during periods of increased PM-10 concentrations. A 20% increase in preterm birth was observed for each 50-mg increase in ambient PM-10 levels over 6 weeks before birth and a 16% increase when averaging over the first month of pregnancy.

Asthma and the Environment: A Strategy to Protect Children
President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks & Safety Risks to Children (May 2000).
This report summarizes the known health impacts of ozone pollution. Not only does ozone aggravate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, cause chest pain and coughs, and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and symptoms of respiratory diseases; it can lead to long-term irreversible damage to lung tissue. Asthma accounts for over ten million missed school days per year and is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. Rates of asthma have more than doubled in the past fifteen years. The effects of asthma are far reaching, but impact African American populations in particular - death and hospitalization rates are over four and three times that of white American children respectively.

Air Quality Reports

PPIC Statewide Survey July 2004- Special Survey on the Environment in collaboration with The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation: This survey on Californians and the environment—a collaborative effort of the Public Policy Institute of California and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, and The David and Lucile Packard Foundation—is a special edition of the PPIC Statewide Survey. This is the seventh in a series of eight surveys—two per year for four years—launched in May 2001. The intent of the survey series is to inform state, local, and federal policymakers, encourage discussion, and raise public awareness about a variety of growth and environmental issues facing the state. The current survey focuses in particular on public perceptions, policy preferences, and political choices regarding air quality and energy-related issues.

PPIC Statewide Survey June 2006 Special Survey of the Central Valley in collaboration with the Great Valley Center: The Central Valley has been of considerable interest to researchers and state and national leaders because of its significant role in the social, economic, and political life of California. The region is the agricultural center of the state and recent land use trends, such as the urbanization of farmland, are of great concern to state and local policymakers. The impacts of population growth on the water supply, air quality, surface transportation, education facilities, housing affordability, economic conditions, and the perceived quality of life are major concerns today throughout the region.

USEPA- The Plain English Guide To The Clean Air Act: The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act provides a brief introduction to the 1990 Clean Air Act. The 1990 Clean Air Act is the most recent version of a law first passed in 1970 to clean up air pollution. This summary covers some of the important provisions of the 1990 Clean Air Act and may help you understand what is in the law and how it may affect you.

PPIC Californians and the Environment: The current survey examines environmental perceptions, attitudes, and policy preferences. We focus on the related issues of global warming, energy, and air quality because these are current topics in public policy and political debates at the regional, state, and federal government levels. California public opinion is relevant for several reasons. The state has several regions with high air pollution levels, including the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and the San Joaquin Valley. California has taken the lead nationally in policy efforts on global warming, alternative energy, and air quality. State residents have also dealt with multi-year increases in gasoline prices.

Confined Animal Facilities - Air Resources Board (June 2006)
The California Air Resources Board, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and the dairy industry’s environmental coalition, CARES, collaborated on three projects that have improved the understanding of the nature of dairy emissions. The reports include: 1) A study at UC Davis, led by Dr. Frank Mitloehner, which focused on emissions from cows housed in environmental chambers to evaluate emissions directly from cows and their fresh manure. 2) A study at two operating dairies in the San Joaquin Valley, led by Dr. Chuck Schmidt, in which measurements were made at many locations on and around the dairy facilities including the corrals and turnouts, bedding areas, lagoons, feed storage areas, flush lanes, and bunker feed. 3) A study by Dr. Schmidt to validate the effectiveness and capture efficiency of using flux chambers to quantify volatile fatty acid (VFA) emissions.

State of the Air Report for 2006 - American Lung Association
The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside metropolitan area continues to be listed as one of the most polluted cities for 24-hour and annual particle pollution levels, and Bakersfield is now ranked as the most ozone-polluted city in the nation. As for counties nationwide, Kern County moved to the top of the list of most polluted counties for ozone and Riverside County had the worst particle pollution as measured on a 24-hour and annual basis. Twenty-eight of California's 52 counties with air quality monitoring stations received failing grades.

School Bus Pollution Report Card (2006) - Union of Concerned Scientists
The report found that the nation's 505,000 school buses were some of the oldest and dirtiest vehicles on the road. More than a third have been in use for more than a decade, and a single bus can produce between twice and 10 times as much diesel soot as a big rig. California leads the nation in regulatory efforts and funds to replace aging buses, the study said, but still has made limited progress. State cleanup programs reduced school bus soot by less than 9% from 1999 to 2005, the report said. Less than 10% of California's fleet is retrofitted with sophisticated soot-traps, and less than 5% is powered by cleaner natural gas.

The Health and Related Economic Benefits of Attaining Healthful Air in the San Joaquin Valley - California State University, Fullerton (March 2006)
This study, conducted by leading researchers in the fields of economics and air quality, shows that the health-related impacts of air pollution in California’s San Joaquin Valley drains the region’s economy of $3 billion every year. That's the cost of shortened life spans, hospitalizations, job absences and other economic and health effects of the region's chronically poor air quality.

Plagued by Pollution: Unsafe Levels of Soot Pollution in 2004 - U.S. PIRG (January 2006)
This report is a comprehensive analysis of levels of fine particle pollution in the U.S. in 2004, based on a survey of state environmental agencies. Its findings include the fact that ninety-six million Americans - 32% of the population - live in areas with unsafe levels of fine particle, or "soot," pollution.

The Clean Air Act at 35: Preventing Death and Disease from Particulate Pollution - Environmental Defense (2005)
This report examines this landmark national health standards program and the significant public health achievements delivered over the last 35 years. Thanks to the Clean Air Act, enacted in December 1970, millions of Americans breathe cleaner, healthier air, and tens of thousands of illnesses and premature deaths have been prevented. Over the years, the costs of complying with the rules have amounted to a fraction of the trillions of dollars saved in health costs – making the Clean Air Act one of the most cost-effective regulatory programs in American history.

State of the Air Report for 2005 - American Lung Association
The American Lung Association's annual air-quality "report card" flunks the air quality in many San Joaquin Valley counties for the sixth consecutive year. The ALA ranked several Valley counties and cities among the most unhealthy places in the country to breathe. Fresno, Kern and Tulare counties failed almost every test of clean air.

An Analysis of Diesel Air Pollution and Public Health in America - Clean Air Task Force (Feb. 2005)
Breathing diesel exhaust is an altogether too-familiar experience in America - and unfortunately an unpleasant one. Today there are approximately 13 million diesels at work in the U.S. helping to build our cities and landscape, transport food and goods and takes us to and from work. However, more than three quarters of the U.S. population lives in cities near intersections, bus stops, highways, bus and truck depots, heavy industry and construction sites - all concentrated emissions sources. Rural areas with their agriculture and industry suffer their share of health effects from agricultural, construction and industrial diesel emissions too. The following report describes the methodology and results of a Clean Air Task Force analysis of death and disease from diesel in the U.S. each year, a more detailed companion to Diesel and Health in America: The Lingering Threat.

Clearing the Air in the San Joaquin Central Valley: Developing an Action Plan for Regulators, Legislators, and the Public - Union of Concerned Scientists and the Kirsch Foundation (2004)
This report examines the sources and effects of the San Joaquin Valley's air pollution problem and some recent legislative and regulatory efforts to clear the air. It outlines an action plan to put the valley on the road to healthy air. (Also see press conference pictures.)

Research Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter: IV. Continuing Research Progress - National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences  (March 24, 2004)
This report, fourth in a series, summarizes the salient findings from six years and over $300 million in federal research funding. It concludes that significant progress has been made in understanding the health risks posed by particle pollution in the air, and identifies areas for further research is needed.

Dangerous Days of Summer - Environmental Defense (2004)
More than half of American families - over 160 million people - live in places where air quality does not meet federal standards. Environmental Defense has rated 50 major U.S. cities to see where air pollution can make outdoor play dangerous to your health, and offers practical solutions to cleaning up dirty air so that everyone can breathe easier.

State of the Air Report for 2003 and 2004 - American Lung Association
For the fourth straight year, the top four most ozone-polluted metropolitan areas in the nation were in California: Riverside; Fresno; Kern; and Los Angeles counties.

Sick of Soot: Reducing the Health Impacts of Diesel Pollution in California - Union of Concerned Scientists (June 2004)
California, with the largest population of people and diesel vehicles in the country, is in essence a microcosm of the national health risks of diesel emissions.

Clearing the Air 2003: Public Health Threats from Cars and Heavy Duty Vehicles - Why We Need to Protect Federal Clean Air Laws - Surface Transportation Policy Project (2003)
California contains the five metropolitan areas that have had the highest number of unhealthy air days over the last three years. They are Riverside-San Bernardino, Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles-Long Beach, and Sacramento.

Asthma in California: Findings from the 2001 California Health Interview Study - UCLA Center for Health Policy Research (2003)
This in-depth report describes asthma in California based on data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2001), the largest state-level health survey in the nation. It examines the prevalence of asthma, access to care for those with asthma, emergency room use and hospitalization for asthma, and disparities in and consequences of frequent asthma symptoms among California's children and adults. The policy report provides several recommendations including on-going surveillance of asthma, improving control of asthma through the reduction of environmental triggers, reducing disparities in the burden of asthma, and suggesting community-based, culturally appropriate interventions.

Closing the Diesel Divide: Protecting Public Health from Diesel Air Pollution - American Lung Association and Environmental Defense (2003)
This report examines two sources of diesel pollution that represent holes in the regulatory patchwork: diesel engines in a range of nonroad equipment from lawn tractors to excavators, and stationary internal combustion engines used in electric generators. These two categories encompass a huge range of engines from small loaders and household generators used in residential neighborhoods to massive mining machines and backup generators that provide power to industrial facilities. The United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) forthcoming rule on nonroad diesel engines presents an important opportunity for the federal government to begin closing the diesel divide and to achieve historic reductions of diesel pollution that will allow Americans to breathe easier.

Particle Civics: How Cleaner Air in California Will Save Lives and Save Money - Environmental Working Group (May 2002)
In California, respiratory illnesses caused or made worse by airborne particulate matter (PM) are responsible for 9,300 deaths, 16,000 hospital visits, 600,000 asthma attacks and five million lost work days each year. By saving lives and preventing illnesses, tougher standards could save more than half a billion dollars a year.

High Diesel Exhaust Levels Found in School Buses - University of California Berkeley (January 2001)
This report is intended to inform parents, educators, school administrators, and federal, state and local policy makers of the hazards children face from exposure to diesel exhaust inside school buses and the cleaner alternatives which are readily available.

Breathtaking: Premature Mortality Due to Particulate Air Pollution in 239 American Cities (May 1996)
A report from the Natural Resources Defense Council, estimating that approximately 64,000 premature deaths from cardiopulmonary causes may be attributable to particulate air pollution each year.

 

Transportation/Sprawl Issues

CARB- Draft Proposed Regulation To Reduce Emissions Of Diesel Particulate Matter, And Other Pollutants From In-Use Heavy-Duty Diesel-Fueled Vehicles: The Air Resources Board (ARB) staff is developing a regulation to reduce diesel particulate matter (PM) and other emissions from in-use heavy-duty diesel powered vehicles operating in California. A proposed regulation is planned to be presented to the Air Resources Board in October 2008. The proposed regulation would apply to diesel shuttle buses, vehicles greater than 14,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and does not include pickups.

Failing The Grade: How Diesel School Buses Threaten Our Children's Health: Ironically, the very transportation system that carries California’s most precious resource - our children - can be characterized as the most aged, least funded, and one of the most polluting fleets in the nation. California lags behind many other states in turning over its school bus fleets. The age and diesel dependence of California’s school buses is especially troubling because children are more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution than adults.

Harboring Pollution: Strategies to Clean Up U.S. Ports: U.S. seaports are the largest and most poorly regulated sources of urban pollution in the country. This August 2004 report by NRDC and the Coalition for Clean Air provides practical strategies and policies for port operators, regulatory agencies, and community-based organizations to reduce health-endangering air and water pollution, noise and light pollution that disrupts communities near ports, and harm to marine habitats.

Harboring Pollution: The Dirty Truth about U.S. Ports: Marine ports in the United States are major hubs of economic activity and major sources of pollution. This March 2004 report by NRDC and the Coalition for Clean Air assesses efforts at the 10 largest U.S. ports to control pollution, and provides an overview of policy and practical pollution mitigation recommendations.

 Paying With Our Health: The Real Cost of Freight Transport in California: characterizes the costs of freight transport (AKA goods movement) by detailing the health costs of asthma and other illnesses, revenues generated by goods movement activities, and the level of economic opportunity provided to affected communities. It compiles existing exposure studies that characterize the health and local impacts resulting from the system of freight transport.

Children’s Exposure to Diesel Exhaust on School Buses: In the United States nearly 600,000 school buses transport 24 million students to school daily. Each year buses travel 4.3 billion miles as children take nearly 10 billion school bus rides. In Connecticut, 387,000 students ride to school each day on 6,100 buses. Most U.S. school buses are powered by diesel fuel. Diesel exhaust is comprised of very fine particles of carbon and a mixture of toxic gases. Federal agencies have classified diesel exhaust as a probable human carcinogen.Diesel Trucks: Air Pollution and public health. Union of concerned scientists: Heavy-duty trucks are the backbone of today’s freight transportation system.  These vehicles consume more than 3 billion gallons of diesel fuel in California alone and are the largest source of diesel pollution in the state.  Diesel trucks are also one of the last remaining sources of diesel emissions that have not been regulated under the Air Resources Board’s (ARB) Diesel Risk Reduction Plan. 

The Future is Now: Central Valley Farmland at the Tipping Point? - American Farmland Trust (April 2006)
Among the report's conclusions: Despite good intentions, local communities are not making enough progress at preserving farmland in the nation's most threatened major agricultural region.  Farmland is being developed very inefficiently and the best of it is being paved over the fastest.  Another 900,000 acres will be lost by 2040 unless things change -- and soon. 

Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: "A Community Perspective" - Air Resources Board (April 2005)
A useful tool that intended to serve as a general reference guide for evaluating and reducing air pollution impacts associated with new projects that go through the land use decision-making process.  It can be used to help educate local elected officials (city council, county supervisors and school board members) on the decisions they make to site new schools, polluting facilities, housing developments, etc.  The recommendations in the handbook are not legally binding and do not constitute a requirement or mandate for either land use agencies or local air districts; however, any or all of these measures can be crafted into strong regulations or legislation to prevent future poor land-use decisions.

Urban Development Futures in the San Joaquin Valley - Public Policy Institute of California (Feb. 2005)
This report, published by the Public Policy Institute of California, models urban growth in San Joaquin Valley over the next four decades. Taken together, the scenarios point to a tripling of the urbanized land stock by 2040, lower densities, and significant declines in farmland. They also indicate, however, that the Valley"s actual growth will partly depend on which public policy goals are emphasized. Many of these decisions will be made by the Valley"s local governments, which control most land use planning and permitting powers.

Air Quality and Smart Growth: Planning for Cleaner Air - The Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities (Jan. 2005)
Clean air is a fundamental right and one that many take for granted. This paper explores the connection between land development patterns, transportation patterns, and air pollution and how growing smarter can lead to better air quality. An excellent overview.

California Clean Cars Campaign - Global warming solutions for a healthy California.

Smart Choices: Less Traffic - Sierra Club
A study of 49 transportation projects from around the nation

The Truth About Traffic - Surface Transportation Policy Project
The underlying causes of congestion are far more complicated than many traditional interests have historically been willing to admit.

Driven to Spend: Study Finds Transportation Takes a Huge Bite out of Household Budgets - Surface Transportation Policy Project
A new study finds that Bay Area residents spend a whopping $20 billion out of their own pockets on transportation -- an average of $7,150 a year per household -- second only to housing and totaling more than all personal spending on health care, education and utilities combined. Southern California residents spend $38.1 billion out of their own pockets on transportation annually -- an average of $7,224 a year per household.

Concentration of Deadly Ultra-fine Particle Pollutants Near Major Highways: Interstate 405 and Freeway 710 - UCLA
Two new studies demonstrate that people near major highways are exposed to 30 times the concentration of ultra-fine particles than normal background concentrations.

The Federal Government Could Help Communities Better Plan for Transportation That Protects Air Quality - Testimony by John B. Stephenson, director, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO, July 30, 2002
Congress and federal agencies have opportunities to provide transportation planners and communities more help in considering the environmental impacts of their transportation and land use decision.

Tailpipe Tally - Environmental Defense
Online tool to find out fuel consumption, fuel cost and vehicle emissions for any vehicle you choose (model year 1978 to present). Build your own comparison list of up to four vehicles, in any combination of new and used.

Bibliographies

2005 Selected Air Pollution Health Studies of Note: Ozone and Particulate Matter (American Lung Association)

2004 Selected Air Pollution Health Studies of Note: Ozone and Particulate Matter (American Lung Association)

2003 Selected Air Pollution Health Studies of Note: Ozone and Particulate Matter (American Lung Association)

Selected Key Studies on Ozone and Health 1997-2001 (American Lung Association).

Selected Key Studies of Particulate Matter and Health 1997-2001 (American Lung Association)

Annotated Bibliography of Recent Studies of the Health Effects of Air Pollution 2001-2002 (American Lung Association)

A Summary of Major Scientific Reports on Air Pollution and Public Health. Clean Air Task Force, The National Environmental Trust and the U.S. PIRG Education Fund (2002). Available at www.cleartheair.org.

Newsletters and Conference Materials

Great Valley Center Annual Conference (Annual) Session notes and presentation materials

Health and Clean Air Newsletter, Winter/Spring 2006 Issue (back issues also available online)

California Tracking - The Newsletter of the California Environmental Health Tracking Program - CEHTP is working to develop a standards-based, coordinated, and integrated environmental health tracking system for the on-going monitoring, reporting, linkage, and communication of data on environmental hazards/exposures and environmentally related diseases.

Other Resources

Building a Regional Voice for Environmental Justice: In a project funded by The California Endowment and coordinated by the San Francisco Foundation the CJTC put together Building a Regional Voice for Environmental Justice about the partnerships and a presentation about the arc of the work. As you will see, the project is an innovative combination of research and organizing that has both firmly documented the case for action to reduce disparities and provided the research basis for organizing for improvements in air quality and siting practices.

Building Healthy Communities From the Ground Up: Environmental Justice in California: The goal of environmental justice is to ensure that all people have the right to safe, secure and sustainable livelihoods free of toxic pollution, and a voice in the decision-making that affects them. Building Healthy Communities from the Ground Up is the result of discussions between environmental justice organizations in California to explore environmental conditions in the state’s most impacted communities, and develop policy recommendations to address these issues.

California Partnership For The San Joaquin Valley- The San Joaquin Valley: California's 21st Century Opportunity: Recognizing that challenges in the San Joaquin Valley will affect the entire state, the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley today adopted a Strategic Action Proposal to tackle its economic, environmental and social challenges, as well as to position the region as central to the future of California.

California State Parks & The Great Central Valley, April 2004: “We are embarking on a 20-year effort to study the Central Valley and increase our presence by providing meaningful experiences to meet the needs of Valley residentsfor protection and interpretation of incredible natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources found only in the Valley.”

CARB- Air Quality And Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective: As part of the Air Resources Board's (ARB) Community Health Program, the ARB has developed an Air Quality and Land Use Handbook (Handbook) which is intended to serve as a general reference guide for evaluating and reducing air pollution impacts associated with new projects that go through the land use decision-making process.

CARB- Let's Clear the Air, A Public Participation Guide to Air Quality Decision Making In California: This guide provides you with the basic tools and information needed to participate effectively in the air pollution policy, planning, permitting, and regulatory decision-making processes in California.

Carbon Capping: A Citizen's Guide: This guide explains carbon capping so that citizens can understand and shape it. The easy-to-read guide describes three different ways to cap carbon: cap-and-giveaway, cap-and-auction, and cap-and-rebate. It explains how if done right, a carbon cap is the single best tool to fight climate change, but if done wrong, will transfer hundreds of billions of dollars from families to corporate polluters.

Clearing the Air in the San Joaquin Valley: Developing an Action Plan for Regulators, Legislators, and the Public: Poor air quality is affecting the region’s residents, public health, and the economy. population of the region is growing more rapidly than in any other air basin in the state. This growth brings with it increases in vehicle miles traveled and urbanization, both of which counteract progress in emission reductions. As a result, the valley risks becoming the nation’s dirtiest region. Strong action by local, state, and federal officials can put the San Joaquin Valley back on the road to clean air, but it will take a coordinated effort and strong leadership that has, to date, been lacking.

Hung Out To Dry: How the Use of Perchloroethylene in Dry Cleaning Endangers You and Your Family's Health: Most Americans are unaware that over 85 percent of the more than 35,000 dry cleaners operating in the United States use a dangerous chemical called percholorethylene (perc), which poses a significant health risk to humans and the environment.

Resource Directory for Nonprofit Capacity Building in California’s Central Valley: Human Interaction Research Institute, April 2006:This directory offers a starting place for identifying individuals and organizations that provide capacity-building services and resources to nonprofit organizations throughout California’s Central Valley.

The Soul of Environmentalism: Rediscovering Transformational Politics In The 21st Century:A positive article about how the environmental movement can become more relevant to the broad public by addressing issues of race, socioeconomic class, and civil rights.

The State of the Great Central Valley of California: Assessing the Region via Indicators, The Environment, 2000-2005: 

This report provides an overview of environmental conditions in the Great Central Valley between 2000 and 2005. The study includes easy-to-read data on air quality, water, land use, species and energy use.

The Women's Foundation of California: Gasping for Air, Why We Must Cultivate a Healthier Central Valley (English/Spanish) This regional supplement examines the Central Valley’s three major environmental health concerns — air pollution, water contamination and pesticide usage — and highlights successful community efforts to stem these problems and create a healthier region.

Top Achievements of the Environment Community in Southern California. Action.Results. Change. 2007: Through the Top Achievements Report 2007, we at Environment Now highlight how our community successfully responds to environmental challenges. The report features initiatives led by local nonprofits that resulted in positive, significant and permanent change in Southern California.

USEPA- Environmental Justice Biennial Report 2004 Integrating Environmental Justice: This report is based on the environmental justice action plans of each EPA office and region—first developed and implemented in 2003. These action plans serve as strategic tools to help managers and staff ensure that environmental justice considerations are integrated into all of the Agency's work and result in measurable environmental and public health outcomes.

USEPA- Toolkit for Assessing Potential Allegations of Environmental Injustice:This document is a toolkit, and therefore provides tools for EPA staff to use in assessing the environmental and human health concerns of such communities. It sets forth various research tools and provides a systematic approach for gathering and analyzing data related to environmental, social, economic, and health-related technical information to determine whether or not an environmental injustice situation appears to exist or may be avoided altogether.

CHE Toxicant and Disease Database
This is a scientifically based, web-interactive database summarizing the evidence of exposure to chemical contaminants and over 180 associated human diseases or conditions. It is a useful tool for researchers, health professionals, health-affected groups and others interested in reviewing the weight of evidence between associated toxicants and diseases. Another new feature of the database is that it is now searchable by Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number as well as by disease, disease category and toxicant. The database also features a new and extensive list of links to other useful databases and resources.

Invisible-5 Audio Project
Invisible-5 investigates the stories of people and communities fighting for environmental justice along the I-5 corridor, through oral histories, field recordings, found sound, recorded music, and archival audio documents. The project also traces natural, social, and economic histories along the route. Many Valley sites featured, along with many CVAQers!

The Clean Air Standards Website - American Lung Association
This website provides timely information to public health and environmental advocates about the EPA review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone and particulate matter.

Blog for Clean Air (hosted by Clean Air Watch)

California County Asthma Hospitalization Chart Book - CA Department of Health Services (Aug. 2000)
Hospitalization rates for asthma in California counties for 1995 through 1997. Rates are shown for each county by race/ethnicity for all ages and for children separately. The California State Health Department estimates that up to 2.2 million Californians suffer from physician diagnosed asthma. In 1997 alone, approximately 56,000 residents, including 16,700 children, required hospitalization because their asthma attacks were so severe. The statewide financial burden of asthma-related hospitalizations alone is nearly $350 million, with nearly a third of the bill paid by the State Medi-Cal program.