RAMP » Studies and Reports

Long-term Ambient Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Lung Cancer in a Large Cohort of People Who Have Never Smoked

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:59:03 +0000

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine on December 15, 2011 found that “present findings strengthen the evidence that ambient concentrations of Particulate Matter 2.5 measured in recent decades are associated with small but measurable increases in lung cancer mortality.” For access to the full article, click here.

The Response of Children with Asthma to Ambient Particulate Is Modified by Tobacco Smoke Exposure

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:56:18 +0000

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine on December 15, 2011 found that “Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) modifies the acute effects of low-level ambient Particulate Matter 2.5 exposure on childhood asthma. This study monitored 82 school children over three consecutive fall and spring school periods to assess the health effects of concurrent ETS and particulate matter exposure. For access to the full article, click here.

Health Effects of Outdoor Air Pollution: Approach to Counseling Patients Using the Air Quality Health Index

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:54:43 +0000

The School of Public Health at the University of Toronto in Ontario conducted a study to measure the value of informing family physicians about the “health effects of air pollution to assist and to provide an approach to counseling vulnerable patients in order to reduce exposure.” They found that, “Family physicians can use the AQHI and its health messages to teach patients with asthma and other high-risk patients how to reduce health risks from air pollution.” For access to the full article, published in the August 2011 edition of the College of Family Physicians of Canada click here.

The School Inner-City Asthma Study: Design, Methods, and Lessons Learned

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:53:35 +0000

A study by Children’s Hospital in Boston looks into the role of allergen exposure in school environments and asthma morbidity. This article, published in the December 2011 edition of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine describes the design, methods, and important lessons learned from this extensive investigation. A single center is recruiting 500 elementary school-aged children, all of whom attend inner-city metropolitan schools. The primary hypothesis is that exposure to common indoor allergens in the classroom will increase the risk of asthma morbidity in children with asthma, even after controlling for home allergen exposures. The protocol includes screening surveys of entire schools and baseline eligibility assessments obtained in the spring prior to the academic year. Extensive baseline clinical visits are being conducted among eligible children with asthma during the summer prior to the academic school year. Environmental classroom/school assessments including settled dust and air sampling for allergen, mold, air pollution, and inspection data are collected twice during the academic school year and one home dust sample linked to the enrolled student. Clinical outcomes are measured every three months during the academic school year. The overall goal of SICAS is to complete the first study of its kind to better understand school-specific urban environmental factors on childhood asthma morbidity. The article also discusses the unique challenges related to school-based urban research and lessons being learned from recruiting such a cohort.” For access to the full article, click here.

New Report Finds Benefits of EPA Rules Outweigh Costs and Would Provide Significant Health and Environmental Benefits to Low Income and Minority Individuals

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:51:32 +0000

A new report issued recently by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies provides an expanded review of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) cost-benefit analysis of six new air quality regulations that have been proposed or implemented by the EPA, and finds that the benefits of implementing the rules outweigh the costs. This report comes at the heels of EPA’s release of the first national standards for reducing dangerous emissions of mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants. To read more click here.

The California Legislature 101: Unscrambling California’s Legislative Process

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:22:44 +0000

RAMP hosted the second in a series of webinars for CAFA members on November 30^th, 2011. This webinar, The California Legislature 101: Unscrambling the California’s Legislative Process, served as an introduction to the legislative process for individuals new to CAFA and state policy work as well as a refresher for those looking to sharpen their understanding of California law-making.

Important decisions get made all the time in the state capital, yet following how an idea becomes a law can be confusing. It is easy to get lost in the jargon of legislative activity:

What does it mean when a bill is put on “suspense”?
How many times does a bill get voted on?
What’s the difference between a bill sponsor and a bill author?

In reality, the legislative process is fairly straightforward and much easier to follow with a basic understanding of the underlying structure. This interactive webinar shed light on how a bill makes its way through the California legislature.

Led by RAMP’s Policy Associate, Brandon Kitagawa, participants of this webinar learned:

How an idea gets turned into a law
The structure of the state legislature
Key advocacy opportunities during the legislative process

To view a recording of the webinar click here.

End-of-year support for RAMP, please make a donation

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:53:13 +0000

Dear RAMP Partner—

Asthma may not receive a lot of media attention, but people like you and I—who devote our time and energy to addressing the problem of asthma—know that it is a serious problem, affecting 1 in 7 Californians. We also know that it disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color. One in five African Americans in California has been diagnosed with asthma and the number of Latinos diagnosed with asthma increased by half a million between 2001-2009. Asthma is a burden that cannot and should not be ignored.

Fortunately, there are organizations like Regional Asthma Management & Prevention (RAMP) promoting strategies to address asthma through approaches ranging from clinical management to environmental protection. Next year will be my 10th year as the Director of RAMP. My commitment remains strong, not only because of the incredible need, but because I see how our work changes lives and makes communities stronger and healthier.

Now, with federal budget cuts and a struggling economy, our ability to continue our great work is at risk. Your contribution of $25, 50, 100 or more will help RAMP maintain our programs and will improve the lives of children and families affected by asthma.

A few of RAMP’s recent successes include:

The passage of three California bills this year that will reduce environmental triggers of asthma at schools and surrounding ports, supported by a RAMP-led statewide network of community asthma coalitions.
National recognition for RAMP’s advocacy efforts to promote diesel reduction regulations, cited as a successful example of eliminating disparities.
Over 150,000 Asthma Action Plans distributed for free to clinicians across the country, enhancing the quality of asthma care in accordance with the national guidelines.
Training and support for Community Health Outreach Workers, who are instrumental in educating and supporting families affected by asthma.

We need your help to continue these efforts and the many others that form RAMP’s comprehensive approach to reducing the burden of asthma. Visit our website (www.rampasthma.org) and talk to our staff and partners to learn more.

Please make your tax-deductible contribution today. Your support is greatly appreciated—every single penny counts!

Warm regards,

Anne Kelsey Lamb, MPH

Director, RAMP

RAMP’s Partners Describe the Benefits of Our Work

“RAMP helps us as Asthma Coordinators keep up to date on issues surrounding asthma. They have created a support network in which we are able to share experiences and resources. So often there are programs or resources out there that we do not even know about, and RAMP has helped bring them together. RAMP also provides education and has speakers who bring strategies for working with certain populations which we can use in our every day practice.”

— Alexa Silva, Asthma Start Program, Alameda County Public Health Department

“RAMP’s Asthma Action Plans, provided free of charge across the country, are a key tool for clinicians in working with patients to manage their asthma.”

— Mindy Benson MSN, PNP, Primary Care Manager & Asthma Program Manager, Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland

“Without the support of RAMP, the Ditching Dirty Diesel Collaborative would not have been able to attain the successes we have to date. RAMP has provided a major part of the foundation and backbone of our collaborative. And, because of its dedication to the collaborative process and commitment to allowing the grassroots organizations to take the lead on policy and process, we continue to survive and build capacity.”

— Karen Goodson Pierce, Health Equity Projects, Office of the San Francisco County Health Officer

Smart Growth is Healthy Growth for California

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:43:49 +0000

“Growing Healthy in Southern California” is a new analysis by the American Lung Association in California quantifying the clean air and societal benefits that Southern Californians will experience through smart growth strategies that reduce the need to drive. This analysis shows that the region could avoid $16 billion in cumulative health and societal costs and thousands of asthma attacks and respiratory symptoms between now and 2035 through a 20 percent reduction in vehicle miles traveled. For more information and to view the analysis and supporting materials click here.

ASTHO Releases 2011 Report on Policy Barriers in Implementing Asthma Programs

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:42:38 +0000

The ASTHO 2011 Asthma Report: Building and Maintaining State Health Agency Capacity to Develop Evidence-based Initiatives to Reduce Asthma is based on an assessment directed towards the State Environmental Health Directors and Chronic Disease Directors to gain a better understanding of policy barriers that health agencies face with regard to implementing asthma programs. This report highlights the results from the assessment and provides recommendation for moving forward. To read the full report, please click here.

The Controlling Asthma in American Cities Project: It Takes a Community

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:41:15 +0000

The Journal of Urban Health has just published nineteen articles on controlling asthma in American cities. To view the selection of articles click here.

The Impacts of Short-Term Changes in Air Quality on Emergency Room and Hospital Use in California’s San Joaquin Valley

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:37:52 +0000

The findings of a recent study conducted by the Central Valley Health Policy Institute study for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District provide important new regional evidence for the public health consequences of air pollution. This study offers the first local evidence of short-term population-level health effects associated with elevations in PM2.5 and ozone for the San Joaquin Valley, demonstrating linear increases in rates of asthma emergency room and hospital admissions with increasing levels of air pollution, with effects more pronounced for children. To view a report snapshot click here; for the full report click here.

Hispanics in California Disproportionately Burdened by Asthma

admin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:51:05 +0000

American Lung Association Issues New Report in its Disparities in Lung Health Series

“The American Lung Association released a new report today, Luchando por el Aire: The Burden of Asthma on Hispanics, which provides an overview of the complex biological, environmental, political and cultural factors that increase asthma’s burden on the Hispanic population in Los Angeles and across the country. The report is part of the Lung Association’s Disparities in Lung Health Series.” To read a press release click here.

Fresno/Clovis Participants Needed for Children’s Health Study

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:24:40 +0000

The UC Berkeley Children’s Health & Air Pollution Study-San Joaquin Valley (CHAPS) is exploring some exciting and important questions:

Are the reported associations between outdoor air pollution and asthma onset and exacerbation the result of pollutant damage to immune system regulatory T-cells?

Are there neighborhood-level and social characteristics that exacerbate air pollution’s effects on adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and prematurity?

Does exposure to outdoor air pollution during critical periods of fetal development increase the chance of structural birth defects?

The study is in need of Fresno/Clovis youth participants, especially asthmatics, to help answer the first question. Participation details are below and in the these English/Spanish flyers. Bilingual staff are on site.

*What is this study about?*

CHAPS-SJV is a study that explores how air pollution may make children more prone to developing lung disease.

Who is doing this study?

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and Stanford Medical School.

What does this study involve?

Children enrolled in this study will make one visit to our office with their parent/guardian.

Who is eligible to participate in this study?

All children (10-18 years old) living in the Fresno/Clovis area are eligible to participate.

Will I get paid for being in this study?

Each child that completes the one-time office visit will receive a $50 *Target* gift card.

*Please contact the CHAPS office for more information: 559-294-6700.

Danger in the Air: Unhealthy Air Days in 2010 and 2011

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:14:25 +0000

Environment America has issued a new report ranking areas with the worst air quality in the country. The major data and findings of this report focus on the following categories:

National rankings of the smoggiest metropolitan areas across the country in 2010
Rankings of smoggiest cities across the country by population size
State-by-state rankings of smog in 2010
National rankings of the smoggiest metropolitan areas across the country in 2011

They have also included policy recommendations. To view the report, click here.

Prevalence of Asthma and Its Association With Glycemic Control Among Youth With Diabetes

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:06:18 +0000

A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that the “Prevalence of asthma may be elevated among youth with diabetes relative to the general US population. Among youth with type 1 diabetes, asthma is associated with poor glycemic control, especially if asthma is untreated. Specific asthma medications may decrease systemic inflammation, which underlies the complex relationship between pulmonary function, BMI, and glycemic control among youth with diabetes.” For the full article, click here.

New Study on Thirdhand Tobacco Smoke

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:02:58 +0000

The National Institute of Environmental Health has just released a new study about Third Hand Tobacco Smoke (THS) finding that, “The emerging evidence on THS suggests important new directions for understanding the long-term consequences of tobacco use and for preventing and reducing tobacco use. Although it is premature to trivialize or dramatize the significance of THS, the existing evidence provides strong support for pursuing a programmatic research agenda to fill important gaps in our current understanding of the chemistry, toxicology, pollution, exposure, clinical significance, and policy implications of THS. Such a research program is necessary to illuminate the role of THS in existing and future tobacco control efforts to decrease smoking initiation and smoking levels, to increase cessation attempts and sustained cessation, and to reduce the cumulative effects of tobacco use on morbidity and mortality.” For the full article, click here.

Cigarette Smoking and Second Hand Smoke in Asthmatics Leads to Detrimental Effects in Patient Outcomes and Effectiveness of Steroid Therapy

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:59:08 +0000

A recent study by the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Texas Tech University, found that “the multiple negative effects of smoking and SHS on patients with asthma should underscore the obligation of primary care physicians and other health care professionals to assist patients and those they live with to quit smoking. Specific instructions for family members, caregivers, and friends of patients with asthma should include never smoking in the home, car, or workplace.” For the full article, click here.

The Colorado Asthma Toolkit Program: A Practice Coaching Intervention From the High Plains Research Network

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:57:40 +0000

“The Colorado Asthma Toolkit Program successfully disseminated asthma care training into a majority of area rural health care practices. Acceptance by practices was attributable to flexible, in-office coaching and provision of spirometry. Significant shifts seen in asthma-management practices are likely to reduce hospitalizations and emergency department visits.” For the full article, click here.

Beyond the Headlines: Asthma

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:20:52 +0000

In California, 1 in 6 children have been diagnosed with asthma — that’s 1.5 million kids. ABC7′s Emmy award-winning public affairs show, “Beyond the Headlines,” provides in-depth coverage of the topics and issues facing the people of the Bay Area. Throughout the year, “Beyond the Headlines” airs half-hour specials on issues, ranging from Bay Area housing to same-sex marriage.

Today’s show looks at something many of us take for granted: the ability to breathe easily.

According to the non-profit collaborative, Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP):

Asthma is the most chronic childhood disease.
6.8 million children are affected nationwide.
In California, 1 in 6 children have been diagnosed with asthma. That’s 1.5 million kids.

In 2007, children with asthma were admitted in high numbers:

63,500 emergency department visits
10,600 hospitalizations

The rates in the Bay Area are greater than other parts of the state. Alameda County, in particular, has the second highest hospitalization rates for asthma in California.

Studio Guests

Dr. Dayna Long, M.D.
Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland
Medical Director, Camp Arroyo
www.childrenshospitaloakland.org
www.ttff.org/camp-arroyo

Amy Sholinbeck
Lead Asthma Coordinator, Asthma Start Program
Alameda County Public Health Department
www.acphd.org/asthma

Anne Kelsey Lamb
Director, Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP)
www.rampasthma.org

Dr. Andrew McClintock Greenberg, M.D.
Pulmonologist, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Oakland
www.altabatessummit.org

Regional Asthma Management and Prevention in California

admin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:13:46 +0000

In an article recently published in Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology, “authors describe the work of Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP) in developing a comprehensive model for reducing the burden of asthma through the integration of clinical management and environmental protection. Over the past 15 years, RAMP grew a small legal settlement involving air pollution into a nationally recognized asthma program. RAMP collaborates, coordinates, shares resources, advocates, and promotes policy change to reduce inequities, strengthen asthma prevention efforts, and improve management for all communities. RAMP’s 4 functions—provide technical assistance, serve as a clearinghouse, serve as a convener, and lead policy advocacy efforts—have provided an important structure for implementing a broad and comprehensive program aimed at reducing the burden of asthma. RAMP has demonstrated that asthma interventions must take place in numerous settings including clinical settings, homes, schools, child care, and outdoor environments and that, to reduce asthma disparities, organizations need to understand and address the environmental and social inequities that contribute to those disparities. RAMP has also seen firsthand the importance of community asthma coalitions in addressing the problem of asthma and the way that these coalitions benefit from the support of an organization like RAMP. RAMP has created a framework for reducing the burden of asthma that ties together the knowledge gained over 15 years and provides a model for other organizations.” To read the article click here.

Get Involved in Local Transportation Planning!

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:28:22 +0000

Why should asthma and public health professionals be involved in transportation planning? Because the way our roads and public transit systems are designed has a lot to do with our health: it influences how much exercise we get, our exposure to noise and air pollution, our risk of getting into traffic accidents, and more. This fact sheet, created by Public Health Law and Policy in collaboration with TransForm, discusses the important link between transportation planning and health, describes the key players and processes of local and regional transportation planning, and suggests ways to advocate effectively for healthier transportation policies. For more information, click here.

Future Climate Change May Increase Asthma Attacks in Children

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:26:20 +0000

A new study by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine that was recently published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine “found that climate change may lead to more asthma-related health problems in children, and more emergency room (ER) visits in the next decade.” Those data show that, “changing levels of ozone could lead to a 7.3 percent increase in asthma-related emergency room visits by children, ages 0-17.” To read an article about the study click here; to read the full report click here.

Smoking During Pregnancy Linked to Persistent Asthma in Childhood

admin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:22:55 +0000

A study conducted by researches at the University of California, San Francisco shows that “children with severe asthma are 3.6 times more likely to have been exposed to tobacco smoking before birth – even without later exposure – than children with a mild form of the disease.” They conclude that “prenatal exposure also was associated with three times the number of daily and night-time asthma symptoms later in the child’s life, as well as nearly four times the number of asthma-related emergency room visits, even when the researchers controlled for other risk factors, such as current tobacco exposure, ethnicity and allergies.” To read more click here. To view the abstract and purchase the study click here.

Reducing Asthma Morbidity through Home-Based Environmental Interventions

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:51:34 +0000

The Center for Disease Control’s National Asthma Program has just released a special supplement of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine on Reducing Asthma Morbidity through Home-Based Environmental Interventions. Home-based multi-trigger, multicomponent interventions with an environmental focus for persons with asthma aim to reduce exposure to multiple indoor asthma triggers (allergens and irritants). For more information, click here.

Parents’ stress tied to pollution’s effect on kids

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:46:04 +0000

The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, has published findings from a new study indicating that “children living in high-stress households are more vulnerable to lung damage from traffic pollution than children whose parents are less stressed out, according to the results of a new study…. For kids from high-stress homes, when the average amount of nitrogen oxides in the air went up by 22 parts per billion, their lung function got roughly five percent worse. That same increase in pollutants around a child whose parents had a low level of stress made no difference to their lung function, however.” To read a news article about the study click here; for the abstract click here.