Is Disparity in Asthma Among Californians Due to Higher Pollution Exposures, Greater Susceptibility, or Both?

​This two-year study identified sub-populations (e.g., low-income, children, the elderly, rural/urban residents, and ethnic minorities) that have higher exposures to a single pollutant or pollutant mixes, and/or potentially greater vulnerability to these exposures. Principle investigator Ying-Ying Meng, a Center researcher and co-director of the Center's Chronic Disease Program, conducted an analysis to determine whether the disproportionate burden of asthma or asthma-like symptoms among low socioeconomic status individuals is associated with greater pollutant exposures, greater vulnerabilities, or both.

• Ying-Ying Meng, DrPH
• Michelle Wilhelm, PhD
• Beate Ritz, MD, PhD
• John Balmes, MD
• Christina Lombardi, MPH
• Angeli Bueno
• Melissa Pickett, MPH