Date of Award

January 2012

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Meredith Stowe

Second Advisor

Amity Doolittle

Abstract

The neighborhood of Hunting Park lies in the northern part of Philadelphia and is home to just over 20,000 people mostly African American and Hispanic. The neighborhood is unique because it is a residential community situated next to industrial facilities such as a construction demolition plant, a bus repair facility, and autobody paint shops as well as heavily traveled transportation corridors. Because of its proximity to these sites, the residents of Hunting Park were concerned about harmful exposures. Thus, with the assistance of the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia, EPA Region III, and the Hunting Park Stakeholders Group and residents, the community investigated the air quality in its neighborhood. They measured black carbon and Volatile Organic Compounds and did not find significant levels of either exposure in the air. However, we did notice some time trends in the black carbon concentrations that were notable. While the findings were not statistically significant, the Hunting Park air quality study provided an environmental justice service to the community, allowing the residents to acquire new information and influence regarding the industrial activities in their neighborhood.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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