Because of growing concern on the
link between air pollution and asthma, the AQMD's Chairman proposed an
initiative to establish a consortium of researchers to conduct research to
better characterize the relation between air pollution exposure and asthma.
As a result of that initiative, the AQMD Board approved the establishment of
the Asthma and Outdoor Air Quality Consortium in February, 2004 and directed
10 percent of FY 2002-03 penalty revenue—approximately $723,000—to fund such
consortium for research projects relating to asthma and outdoor air
quality.
The goal of the Asthma and Outdoor Air Quality Consortium is to conduct
research to better understand the relation between air pollution and asthma
and to ensure protection of public health.
The Board approved a work plan for the Consortium and authorized a
contract with UCLA to manage the Consortium and solicit research proposals.
The Consortium, through UCLA, solicited proposals from leading asthma and
air-quality investigators at universities within the SCAQMD boundaries. Six
research projects totaling approximately $623,000 were approved for funding,
and are listed below.
For further information, contact Jean
Ospital, Health Effects Officer, (909) 396-2582.
Mechanisms of Particulate Toxicity: Use of the
Proteomics to Develop Markers for Oxidative Stress in Asthma by Using Ozone
and Artificial PM Exposures
Principal Investigator: Andre Nel, M.D.
UCLA School of Medicine
Relationships Between PM, Traffic, and Asthma
Principal
Investigator: Rob McConnell, M.D.
USC School of Medicine
Exhaled NO in Asthmatic Children and Personal
Particulate Matter Exposures
Principal
Investigator: Ralph J. Delfino, M.D., Ph.D.
UC Irvine Department of Medicine
An Automated Aerosol Concentration System for the
Collection of
Suspended Particulate Matter in Aqueous Solutions Suitable for
Toxicological Assays
Principal
Investigator: Constantinos Sioutas, Sc.D.
USC
Traffic-related Air Pollution and Acute Respiratory
Diseases and
Asthma in Children Ages 0-5 in the SoCAB from 1990-2000
Principal
Investigator: Beate Ritz, M.D., Ph.D.
UCLA School of Public Health
Interaction of Reactive Organic Compounds with the
Capsaicin Receptor
Principal
Investigator: Arthur K. Cho, Ph.D.
UCLA School of Medicine
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