Quantifying Health Burden Disparities Driven by Air Pollution Exposure

Keywords: Air pollution, health burden, disparities
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract

Abstract

Exposure to air pollution results in significant health issues which may disproportionately affect certain populations. Despite residing within the same geographic areas, some communities experience greater health burdens than others due to various socio-demographic vulnerabilities. Environmental or physical factors, combined with underlying social vulnerabilities, contribute to additional burdens, ultimately overburdening these communities. Quantifying the health burden and how it is experienced unequally by different communities is complex yet essential to investigate. This study aims to quantify the health burdens caused by air pollution focusing on the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area. The goal is to develop an index to quantify the health burden from air pollution which will be used to identify the overburdened communities and highlight disparities in health outcomes across communities and populations. Using a geospatial and epidemiological approach, we integrate pollution data, health outcome statistics, and demographic information to evaluate disparities in exposure and associated health risks. The analysis will focus on quantifying the prevalence of pollution-related illnesses, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, across different geographic and socio-economic groups. By identifying and mapping these overburdened communities, this research aims to provide actionable insights for policymakers and health practitioners to target interventions, promote environmental justice, and reduce health disparities.