Grantee Research Project Results

2023 Progress Report: Contra Costa Climate, Air Pollution, and Pregnancy Study (CC CAPS)

EPA Grant Number: R840475
Title: Contra Costa Climate, Air Pollution, and Pregnancy Study (CC CAPS)
Investigators: Krieger, Elena , Balmes, John R. , Morello-Frosch, Rachel , Apte, Joshua S. , Pillarisetti, Ajay , Shonkoff, Seth BC. , Hill, Lee Ann , Lukanov, Boris , Riddell, Corinne
Institution: Physicians, Scientists, and Engineers (PSE) for Healthy Energy , University of California - Berkeley
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2025
Project Period Covered by this Report: September 1, 2022 through August 31,2023
Project Amount: $1,350,000
RFA: Cumulative Health Impacts at the Intersection of Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Vulnerable Populations/Lifestages: Community-Based Research for Solutions (2021) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Watersheds , Endocrine Disruptors , Environmental Justice , Human Health , Wildfires

Objective:

We utilize an existing spatiotemporally resolved lower-cost air monitoring network in Richmond, CA and aggregate data from other networks across Contra Costa County for three aims: (1) characterize local disparities in exposure to air pollution, heat, and humidity, and the impact of wildfires on exacerbating these disparities; (2) assess relationships between exposure and perinatal outcomes; and (3) model community-driven interventions and policies to reduce exposures and health impacts. We establish a stakeholder advisory committee of representatives from local agencies, non-profit organizations, and the community-at-large, which help guide the scope and direction of the overall project.

Progress Summary:

• QAPP submitted and approved in Q1 2023.

• 50 air monitors collected from the field. 25 monitors were refurbished, and alongside new monitors, 40 have been deployed in the field. Conducted initial site host identification to fill data gaps for remaining 10 monitors based on community needs and feedback.

• Conducted 17 stakeholder outreach presentations and meetings;

• Convened a Stakeholder Advisory Committee of local government, non-governmental organizations, academics, and community-based organization;

• Downloaded and cleaned air quality data; updated inclusion/exclusion and quality assurance protocols; analyzed temporal and spatial coverage;

• Analyzed county-wide temperature exposures and compared temperature metrics;

• Analyzed county demographic information, including integration with air monitor coverage.

Future Activities:

In the coming year we plan to analyze combined air quality, heat, humidity, and population demographics data; integrate exposure and demographic data into an interactive mapping tool; beta test this tool with stakeholders and iterate; begin an epidemiological analysis of pregnancy outcomes associated with exposure and demographic data; and conduct an initial literature review of possible interventions to protect human health exposures and impacts identified in the first part of the study.

Supplemental Keywords:

Heat, wildfire smoke, community-led solutions, mapping tools

Relevant Websites:

PSE Climate, Air Pollution, and Pregnancy Study Exit

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

2024 Progress Report