The goal of the research is to examine relationships among basement indoor air quality, air pathogens and contaminants, basement moisture, daily rainfall extremes, housing and neighborhood conditions,…

The goal of the research is to examine relationships among basement indoor air quality, air pathogens and contaminants, basement moisture, daily rainfall extremes, housing and neighborhood conditions, and cumulative health impacts for residents across the lifespan under the context of increased rainfalls and flooding due to climate changes. Activities:this research project will: (1) characterize bacterial and fungal pathogens and indoor air quality (e.g., radon concentrations, humidity) in residential basements in two predominantly black, low income, urban neighborhoods in pittsburgh; (2) characterize respiratory and behavioral health conditions of residents exposed to microbial pathogens; (3) examine associations between basement pathogens and contaminants, basement moisture, daily rainfall extremes, housing and neighborhood conditions, and cumulative health impacts for residents across the lifespan; and (4) develop and disseminate community-based solutions to address cumulative health impacts of pathogen/contaminant exposure related to wet basements and heavy rainfall events. Subrecipient:black environmental collective ($45,000) will facilitate networking and collaboration with community members and organizations in the homewood and hill district neighborhoods. The collaboration will enhance efforts to develop community-based solutions to heavy rainfall events, wet basements, and related health challenges. The university of pittsburgh ($464,575) will collect and analyze all environmental data in the project. The homewood children's village ($160,000) will manage community engagement and support for participants of the leadership initiative.outcomes:deliverables include annual and final reports, as well as critical scientific information for public health agencies, indoor air specialists, community leaders, and housing authorities including potential evidence that housing and weather conditions and indoor air quality can have adverse health impacts due to climate changes. Intended beneficiaries include residents in low-income, predominantly black underserved communities in the pittsburg area and similar communities across the country.