A Case Study Describing a Community-Engaged Approach for Evaluating Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure in a Native American Community

Abstract

In 2015, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) was impacted by an air toxic release from one of two nearby oil refineries. This experience motivated SITC members to learn more about their exposure to air toxics. On the invitation of SITC, this community-based study measured personal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and conducted interviews with the volunteers to evaluate perceptions of the data and experience of participating. Non-smoking SITC members were recruited in March 2016 (N = 10) and January 2017 (N = 22) with seven volunteers participating both times. Volunteers wore a wristband passive sampler for 7 days and completed daily activity diaries. Wristbands were analyzed for 62 PAHs using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Wilcoxon exact tests determined if the sum total PAHs (ΣPAH) differed by activity, proximity to the refineries, and time. Aggregated results were shared during community meetings, and volunteers received individual reports. Volunteers (N = 9) participated in individual interviews. All volunteers were exposed to different amounts and types of PAHs. Burning candles or using a wood stove and/or propane heating were associated with higher ΣPAH exposures. While ΣPAH was similar in both sampling periods, the composition of PAHs differed. More priority listed PAHs were detected in January (N = 17) versus March (N = 10). Among volunteers who participated in both sampling events, exposure to four PAHs significantly differed between seasons. Overall, volunteers reported that the study made them more aware of air pollution sources in their community. They also commented that the chemical nomenclature was difficult to understand, but appreciated the individual reports that allowed them to visually compare their data to the distribution of data collected in their community. For volunteers with lower exposures, these comparisons gave them relief. However, volunteers with higher exposures reported concern and several changed their behaviors to reduce their exposure to known PAH sources. This study provided an opportunity for SITC members to learn about their personal exposure to a class of air toxics within the context of their community. While the limitations of the study hindered the ability to identify sources of air toxics in the community, this activity appeared to raise awareness about ambient and indoor air pollution among the volunteers.

Development of an environmental health tool linking chemical exposures, physical location and lung function

“…The exposure data demonstrated unique patterns of exposure between individuals and identified the most common PAH exposures across individuals. Previous work has demonstrated that silicone wristbands sequester volatile and semi-volatile compounds and illustrate spatial differences between individuals [3, 16, 53–57]. Here, we detect PAHs in non-occupational 24-h deployment periods using wristbands.…”

“…Regarding the use of the ELF as an environmental health tool, we have previously conducted research evaluating the ease-of-use and compliance with the ELF tool [1], as well as the efficacy of using an online app to collect health and exposure metrics [2]. Furthermore, we have published on the use of the wristband as a tool that demonstrates high compliance [10, 56, 57]. Importantly, while the sample size is small, it generated relevant and diverse data, allowing insights into data management and data integration methodologies for use in public health.…”

“…Finally, we have collaborated with community liaisons to begin developing an interactive, online report-back format to allow study participants to view their data (manuscript in preparation). Previous studies utilizing the wristband alone have reported data back to participants to enable improved understanding of exposure and provide mechanisms to reduce exposure [56, 57].…”

The Importance of Community Engagement and Research Translation within the NIEHS Superfund Research Program

“…The CECs often partner with research projects within their center to lend their expertise with communities and leverage other researcher expertise to share risks of exposure within the community. For example, the Oregon State University SRP Center CEC has paired with multiple research projects within their center to engage tribal communities in evaluating and reducing exposure, using a community-engaged approach [12,13]. The Boston University and University of Iowa SRP Centers’ projects and CECs collaborated with each other to establish partnerships for community-based environmental exposure research and to develop tools and methods to report back to the community members, a strategy that combined multiple areas of expertise to best reach a community affected by polychlorinated biphenyl and heavy metal contamination [14].…”

Optimized workflow for unknown screening using gas chromatography high‐resolution mass spectrometry expands identification of contaminants in silicone personal passive samplers

“…Silicone wristbands have become a popular noninvasive technique for assessing personal exposure to environmental organic contaminants in children 1–6 and adults 7–28 . The wristband samplers are generally worn for a 7‐day period to capture a wide range of chemicals that represent typical environmental exposures.…”