Science Inventory

Furthering a Partnership: Air quality modeling and improving public health

Citation:

Hunt, S., D. Winner, K. Wesson, AND J. Kelly. Furthering a Partnership: Air quality modeling and improving public health. Edition 2021, EM: AIR AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION'S MAGAZINE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS. Air & Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA, 71(6):682-688, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2021.1876180

Impact/Purpose:

The purpose of this piece is to note the benefit of air quality modelers working collaboratively with health researchers and to encourage future interactions.

Description:

Air pollution is one of the top five risk factors for population health globally. In recent years, advances in air pollution data and modeling have occurred simultaneously with advances in data and methods available for health studies. To realize the potential of such advances, the air quality modeling and public health communities should continue to strengthen their engagements and build effective interdisciplinary teams. These partnerships recognize the tight coupling between air quality and health data and methods and the value of expertise from multiple fields to ensure that this information is applied appropriately with a deep understanding of its capabilities and limitations . Building effective multidisciplinary teams takes a sustained commitment to engage with partners with different expertise and consideration and interest in learning across disciplines. Effective partnerships enable better targeting of research resources to answer important questions and provide essential information to protect public health.