Grantee Research Project Results

2024 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 May 7, 2025
Project Period Covered by this Report: November 1, 2023 through October 31,2024
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: Endocrine Disruptors , Environmental Justice , Human Health , Watersheds , Wildfires

Objective:

We utilize and expand 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:

• Achieved full deployment of 50 air monitors in Contra Costa County in August 2024;
• Conducted stakeholder outreach presentations, provided written updates, and held additional small group meetings; continued engagement with this projects Stakeholder Advisory Committee comprised of local government, non-governmental organizations, academics, and community-based organizations;
• Began analysis of California Department of Public Health *CDPH) birth outcomes data after receiving IRB approvals from both UCB and CDPH;
• Downloaded and cleaned air quality data; updated inclusion/exclusion and quality assurance protocols; analyzed temporal and spatial coverage;
• Analyzed county-wide temperature exposures and compare temperature metrics;
• Analyzed county demographic information including integration with air monitor coverage;
• Began development of public facing data tool to share findings
• Began literature review of existing and proposed interventions to protect vulnerable populations from heat, smoke, and air quality exposures.

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; continue an epidemiological analysis of pregnancy outcomes associated with exposure and demographic data; and conduct outreach workshops in coordination with Aim III efforts to identify priority interventions. We will develop a distributional cost effectiveness analysis to develop recommendations for these interventions to limit heat, wildfire smoke, and other pollution exposures both for currently vulnerable populations and those whose exposures are likely to increase under ongoing climate change.

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

2023 Progress Report