TY - JOUR
T1 - Diesel exhaust exposure among adolescents in Harlem
T2 - A community-driven study
AU - Northridge, Mary
AU - Yankura, Joanne
AU - Kinney, Patrick L.
AU - Santella, Regina M.
AU - Shepard, Peggy
AU - Riojas, Ynolde
AU - Aggarwal, Maneesha
AU - Strickland, Paul
PY - 1999/7
Y1 - 1999/7
N2 - Objectives. This study sought individual-level data on diesel exhaust exposure and lung function among adolescents in Harlem as part of a community-driven research agenda. Methods. High school students administered in-person surveys to seventh grade students to ascertain information on demographics, asthma history, and self-reported and maternal smoking. Urine samples were assayed for 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP), a marker of diesel exhaust exposure, and cotinine, a marker of tobacco smoke exposure. Computer-assisted spirometry was used to measure lung function. Results. Three quarters (76%) of the participating students had detectable levels of 1-HP. Three students (13%) had an FEF25-75 of less than or equal to 80% of their predicted measurements, and 4 students (17%) had results between 80% and 90% of the predicted value, all of which are suggestive of possible lung impairment. Conclusions. These data suggest that most adolescents in Harlem are exposed to detectable levels of diesel exhaust, a known exacerbator and possible cause of chronic lung disorders such as asthma. Community-driven research initiatives are important for empowering communities to make needed changes to improve their environments and health.
AB - Objectives. This study sought individual-level data on diesel exhaust exposure and lung function among adolescents in Harlem as part of a community-driven research agenda. Methods. High school students administered in-person surveys to seventh grade students to ascertain information on demographics, asthma history, and self-reported and maternal smoking. Urine samples were assayed for 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP), a marker of diesel exhaust exposure, and cotinine, a marker of tobacco smoke exposure. Computer-assisted spirometry was used to measure lung function. Results. Three quarters (76%) of the participating students had detectable levels of 1-HP. Three students (13%) had an FEF25-75 of less than or equal to 80% of their predicted measurements, and 4 students (17%) had results between 80% and 90% of the predicted value, all of which are suggestive of possible lung impairment. Conclusions. These data suggest that most adolescents in Harlem are exposed to detectable levels of diesel exhaust, a known exacerbator and possible cause of chronic lung disorders such as asthma. Community-driven research initiatives are important for empowering communities to make needed changes to improve their environments and health.
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U2 - 10.2105/AJPH.89.7.998
DO - 10.2105/AJPH.89.7.998
M3 - Review article
C2 - 10394306
AN - SCOPUS:0033366729
SN - 0090-0036
VL - 89
SP - 998
EP - 1002
JO - American journal of public health
JF - American journal of public health
IS - 7
ER -