Diesel exhaust exposure among adolescents in Harlem: A community-driven study

Objectives. This study sought individual-level data on diesel exhaust expos ure and lung function among adolescents in Harlem as part of a community-dr iven research agenda. Methods. High school students administered in-person surveys to seventh gra de students to ascertain information on demographics, asthma history, and s elf-reported and maternal smoking. Urine samples were assayed for l-hydroxy pyrene (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 be tween 80% and 90% of the predicted value, all of which are suggestive of po ssible lung impairment. Conclusions. These data suggest that most adolescents in Harlem are exposed to detectable levels of diesel exhaust, a known exacerbator and possible c ause of chronic lung disorders such as asthma. Community-driven research in itiatives are important for empowering communities to make needed changes t o improve their environments and health.