Annual Conference features timely discussions on air pollution and health

June 25, 2018

Some 170 experts from academia, government, industry, and nongovernmental organizations gathered in Chicago, Illinois, in late April and early May for HEI’s 32nd Annual Conference. The three-day meeting featured discussion of the latest research on air pollution and health, perspectives on historical and future environmental health policies, and many informal opportunities for attendees to meet and engage with others sharing similar interests. 

Spring 2018 Update now available

May 30, 2018

This issue of Update highlights the report of a major new HEI study, Impacts of Regulations on Air Quality and Emergency Department Visits in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, 1999–2013, led by Armistead (Ted) Russell of the Georgia Institute of Technology; the public release of data from HEI’s major ozone study, the Multicenter Ozone Study in oldEr Subjects (MOSES); a new HEI panel conducting a literature review on the health effects of traffic-related air pollution; the publication of State of Global Air 2018; appointment of two new members to the Institute’s Board of Directors; a new chair of the HEI Research Committee; and more.

Making the MOSES data and specimens available

May 14, 2018

HEI is making available to the public the database and material of the Multicenter Ozone Study in oldEr Subjects (MOSES). In the interest of scientific transparency and to encourage the broadest possible use of the data and the material, HEI has set up a streamlined process to access the data and the material (subject to the limited quantities available). The MOSES database may be accessed by anyone who is interested. Any qualified researcher from a not-for-profit US research center interested in doing specific analyses can request the samples.

Study evaluates metrics of exposure to traffic-related air pollutants in Atlanta

April 23, 2018

Research Report 196, Developing Multipollutant Exposure Indicators of Traffic Pollution: The Dorm Room Inhalation to Vehicle Emissions (DRIVE) Study, describes a study by Dr. Jeremy A. Sarnat that evaluated single- and multipollutant metrics of exposure to traffic-related air pollutants near and farther away from a major highway in Atlanta, as well as biological markers in a panel of students.

Update Winter 2018 now available

February 28, 2018

This issue of Update highlights a major new HEI Special Report, Burden of Disease Attributable to Major Air Pollution Sources in India; three studies now underway to assess exposure to and health effects of traffic-related air pollution, and a new HEI Research Report on “Street Canyon” air pollution exposure modeling. Also in this edition, read about our upcoming Annual Conference; a recent meeting of diverse stakeholders hosted by HEI’s Energy Research Program; President Dan Greenbaum lending expertise to a National Academies “Grand Challenges” project; and more.

New studies on health effects of traffic-related pollution

February 20, 2018

HEI will fund three studies in a new research program aimed at assessing adverse health effects from exposure to traffic-related air pollution. The program’s request for applications (RFA 17-1), issued in January 2017, solicited studies that would consider such health effects and disentangle them from spatially correlated confounding or modifying factors — most notably, traffic noise, socioeconomic status (SES), and the built environment, including green space.

Energy Research Program launched

February 20, 2018

HEI kicked off its new Energy Research Program with a public meeting in January. Hosted by HEI’s new Energy Research Committee, the meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss recommendations for Year 1 of the program, which will explore potential health effects associated with oil and natural gas development from unconventional resources.

Developing a dynamic 3D exposure model for air pollution in Hong Kong

February 9, 2018

HEI’s Research Report 194, A Dynamic Three-Dimensional Air Pollution Exposure Model for Hong Kong, describes a study led by Benjamin Barratt of King’s College London, United Kingdom, that developed a dynamic three-dimensional land-use regression model for Hong Kong and used it to estimate exposure to traffic-related air pollution.

Annual Report for 2017 now available

February 5, 2018

The 2017 Annual Report, A Voice for Accountability, describes the HEI model for delivering high-quality, impartial, and relevant science to inform public policy decisions about air quality and public health.

Workshop on major air pollution sources in India

January 25, 2018

In January 2018, HEI held a workshop in new Delhi, India to present the new HEI Special Report 21, Burden of Disease Attributable to Major Air Pollution Sources in India. The workshop agenda and presentations are now available.