The Problem Outdoor air pollution is a major risk factor for lower respiratory infection, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also referred to as chronic respiratory syndrome (CRS). In 2020, Pennsylvania had the highest excess mortality due to air pollution in the U.S. The Lehigh Valley, especially Allentown, ranks among the worst U.S. metro areas for asthma risk. To address this, we will develop the Pennsylvania Asthma-COPD Syndromic Surveillance (PASS) system. PASS will integrate secondary data to identify health vulnerabilities and environmental risks contributing to CRS. The Approach To address this challenge, Dr. Choi and her colleagues: Will determine the burden of poor air quality on chronic respiratory syndrome across Pennsylvania Will build a syndromic surveillance system of CRS hotspots by combining air quality data with information from underserved local populations (e.g., health, social and resource disparities) Pennsylvania Asthma-COPD Syndromic Surveillance System “Data paves a pathway to a seat at the table.” - Hyunok Choi, PhD Short Term Impact Create an early-warning system will help prevent outbreaks from overwhelming healthcare systems Distinguish air pollution risks from structural disparities to guide policy Longer Term Impact Identify fossil fuel-related CRS to define pathways driving disease development Clarify the sources of vulnerability among nonwhite racial/ethnic subgroups by examining how systematic disparities and environmental toxicants interact Societal Impact Funding for this research will support the development of the PASS system to integrate data to anticipate CRS outbreaks, protect vulnerable populations and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. This work offers societal benefits in the following areas: For more information visit https://health.lehigh.edu/research-partners or email INRSRCH@lehigh.edu 9 Community/Culture: Build citizen awareness of environmental health, justice and climate resilience. Policy: Translate scientific findings into coordinated action by citizens and local government stakeholders. Education: Foster leadership through education in environmental health, justice, and climate change.
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