WCAHS has five core research projects. Project 1, led by Dr. Kent Pinkerton, focuses on the dual exposure to wildfire smoke and agricultural-related emissions.
Air Quality in the San Joaquin Valley
California is the most agriculturally productive state in the US and more than 50% of this farmland is in the San Joaquin Valley. As a result, the San Joaquin Valley houses the largest population of farmworkers in the US. However, vehicle emissions and farming practices result in poor air quality.
In fact, the air quality of the San Joaquin Valley fails all three tests of the American Lung Association for residents most at risk from exposure to air pollution.
Studies have shown found a link between exposure to air pollution and pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological health. However, nothing is known about the effects of dual exposure to wildfire emissions and existing air pollution.
Research Aims
Dr. Kent Pinkerton and co-investigators Drs. Keith Bein and Christoph Vogel, will address the impact of exposure of both agricultural and wildfire emissions on farmworkers. A better understanding of the impact of dual exposure will allow for the establishment of more effective strategies for mitigating exposure, managing risks, heightening awareness of protective measures, and regulating air quality to improve farmworker health.
In the next year, Dr. Pinkerton and his research team will continue to collect field samples of particulate matter from ongoing air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley. In addition, the research team of Dr. Pinkerton will monitor wildfire conditions in the valley. If wildfires impact agricultural regions, a Rapid Response Mobile Research Unit and Aerosol Sampling and Measurement Platform will be deployed to collect wildfire smoke samples. Samples from both ongoing air pollution and wildfire smoke emissions will be collected using this equipment. After collection, samples will be tested and characterized to reveal the toxicity of exposure to both agricultural and wildfire emissions.
Media Contacts
Dr. Kent Pinkerton can be reached via email at kepinkerton@ucdavis.edu.