About the Health Impact Evaluation Tool

The Health Impact Evaluation Tool (HIET) is a website that helps people learn about air pollution in their area. It focuses on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), a type of air pollution that can affect health. The tool uses data from EPA’s AirToxScreen to estimate pollution levels for different neighborhoods.

The HIET connects environmental data with public health by providing useful information about possible health risks. It includes reference points, like EPA’s safety guidelines, to help explain pollution levels. While HIET does not diagnose health problems, it helps people understand risks and have discussions about health concerns, especially for those who may be more sensitive to pollution.

The goal of the HIET is to raise awareness, help people make informed decisions, and support public health efforts by giving communities easy access to important environmental health data.

The HIET is part of the Rubbertown Air Toxics and Health Assessment (RATHA) Project. This project studies how air pollution affects people in West Louisville, especially those living near the Rubbertown industrial area. By using air monitoring, health risk studies, and community involvement, the project aims to reduce pollution-related health problems and provide useful information for residents, doctors, and policymakers. Learn more about the RATHA Project.

About AirToxScreen Exposure Estimates

AirToxScreen provides estimates of air pollution levels in different areas. These estimates show the amount of air toxics in outdoor air, measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). They are based on emissions data, air movement patterns, and other environmental factors to predict the average pollution level in a neighborhood.

It’s important to know that these numbers are not direct air measurements. Instead, they come from a national model that helps find areas with higher pollution levels and possible health risks.

Additional Notes

This tool helps people begin to understand possible air pollution exposure. If you have specific concerns or need a more detailed analysis, you should reach out to the Air Pollution Control District, the Center for Healthy Air Water and Soil at the Envirome Institute at UofL, or EPA, Region 4 for expert advice.

HIET Methodology

The Health Impact Evaluation Tool (HIET) is designed to give people clear and reliable information about air pollution in Louisville. Below is an overview of how the tool works and where its data comes from.

1. Data Sources

   HIET uses public data from EPA’s AirToxScreen, which estimates pollution levels across the U.S. It provides information on:

   • The amount of air toxics in the air, measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³).
   • Possible health risks, like breathing problems or heart issues.
   • Long-term cancer risks from continued exposure to certain chemicals.

2. Location and Mapping

   • Users enter their address, and the tool finds their neighborhood’s census tract (a small geographic area used for data collection).
   • The HIET pulls pollution data for that area, giving personalized estimates.
   • The tool also includes data from nearby areas to provide a bigger picture of air quality.

3. Understanding Exposure

   • Pollution levels are compared to health safety guidelines, such as EPA’s Reference Concentrations (RfCs).
   • The HIET simplifies this data so users can see how their estimated exposure compares to health standards.

4. Health Risks

   • The HIET explains possible health risks linked to air pollution, including:
   • Non-cancer risks, such as breathing or heart problems.
   • Cancer risks, based on long-term exposure to harmful chemicals.
   • The tool also reminds users that these are estimates, not exact measurements. It is meant to raise awareness and help people have informed discussions about air quality, not provide medical diagnoses.

Alignment with the RATHA Project

The HIET is an important part of the Rubbertown Air Toxics and Health Assessment (RATHA) Project, which works to reduce unfair health impacts from air pollution in West Louisville. By using air pollution data and making it easy for the public to access, the HIET helps the project’s goals of informing residents, improving health, and guiding policy decisions.

References

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 2024. Toxicological Profile for [COPC]. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.

Air Toxics Screening Assessment | US EPA. US EPA. Published January 7, 2025. https://www.epa.gov/AirToxScreen

EJI Indicators: Environmental Burden Module. Place and Health - Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program (GRASP). Published December 3, 2024. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/place-health/php/eji/eji-indicators-environmental-burden-module.html

Hazardous air pollutants | US EPA. US EPA. Published November 12, 2024. https://www.epa.gov/haps

Monitoring Louisville’s air quality. Air Pollution Control District. Accessed January 27, 2025. https://louisvilleky.gov/government/air-pollution-control-district/monitoring-louisvilles-air-quality

Toxicological profiles. Toxicological Profiles. Accessed January 27, 2025. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxicological-profiles/about/index.html