Pillars of Governmental Environmental Public Health | A Guide to Scalable Environmental Public Health Programs
Meaningful Outcome Measures
Air Quality
PURPOSE
METRIC
Program effectiveness
• Percentage of homes that completed mitigation for elevated radon (≥4 pCi/L) per year • Number of indoor air quality assessments conducted per year • Number of days the Air Quality Index exceeds unhealthy levels per year
Workload management
Public health protection
Partner engagement • Number of air quality
educational events or alerts conducted per year
Definition An air quality program can involve the assessment, mon- itoring, education, and mitigation of both indoor and out- door air pollutants that affect human health. Pollutants of concern include particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, radon, mold, allergens, and secondhand smoke. Core activities might include ambient air moni- toring, indoor air assessments, air quality forecasting and alerts, radon testing and mitigation guidance, developing and enforcing relevant regulations, educating the public about air quality risks, and collaborating with partners including planning departments, transportation agencies, housing authorities, schools, and healthcare providers to improve air quality. Characteristics of a Successful Program A successful air quality program likely establishes clear standards and guidelines for air quality, maintains effec- tive monitoring and technical assistance services, devel- ops effective warning systems for poor air quality days, implements educational resources for the public and pro- fessionals, and builds partnerships that extend program reach. The program might identify high-risk populations and settings for targeted interventions while maintaining the capacity to respond to emerging air quality concerns, such as wildfire smoke or industrial releases. Success is demonstrated through improved air quality indicators, implementation of mitigation measures, and reduced prev- alence of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions related to air pollution.
Air quality programs can track metrics that demonstrate both program activities and health outcomes. Import- ant metrics include tracking air quality indices, mitigation implementation, exposure levels, related health condi- tions, and educational reach.
Healthy Homes
Definition An EPH healthy homes program takes a comprehensive approach to address multiple housing-related health and safety concerns simultaneously, rather than focusing on single hazards. This integrated approach addresses lead hazards, indoor air quality, mold and moisture, pest manage- ment, injury hazards, asthma triggers, and general housing conditions that affect health. Core activities include home assessments, education and outreach, referrals for remedia- tion services, policy development, and cross-sector collabo- ration with housing, healthcare, and social service providers.
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