130 - Prescription for Leaded AvGas is Advocacy and Teamwork: Case Study of MYF Airport and San Diego Pediatricians for Clean Air

Poster Number: 130
Publication Number: 130.108

Riley S. Gilbertson, San Diego Pediatricians for Clean Air, los Angeles, CA, United States; Vi T. Nguyen, Kaiser San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States

Background: Children are vulnerable to even low lead levels which lower IQ and produce learning disabilities which, in turn, elevate costs in health care, education, and crime. Leaded aviation gasoline (AVGAS) accounts for half of U.S. lead air emissions. The Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV) study demonstrated a link between children’s blood lead levels (BLL) and their proximity to RHV. Montgomery-Gibbs Airport (MYF) in San Diego produces 57% more lead than RHV. MYF is also a case of environmental injustice; 55 percent of the populace within a mile belong to racial and ethnic minority groups and 29 percent are considered low income.

Objective: To raise awareness of leaded AVGAS as a neurodevelopmental toxin in Clairemont, San Diego. To help influence and pass local legislation to offer unleaded aviation fuel as an alternative in Montgomery-Gibbs Airport from a volunteer, clean-air physician advocacy group.

Design/Methods: We qualitatively describe our efforts in addressing leaded air pollution through targeted, creative environmental health advocacy and education. We detail raising awareness through a published San Diego Union Tribune op-ed and physician-centered social media. We influenced local government by partnering with other environmental coalitions, participating in town halls, and sending advocacy letters. We explored further efforts through physician CME modules and lectures at medical groups including UCSD Medical School.

Results: While this source of lead pollution remains, the awareness of physicians that treat children within affected areas is incomplete. We highlight AVGAS as a source of lead pollution and physicians’ awareness of AVGAS so physicians and families in affected areas are more aware of risk factors, BLL monitoring, and treatment. Our focus was physicians practicing pediatrics and family practice in San Diego. We report the number of physicians, legislators, and citizens that were reached by our advocacy efforts. We report qualitatively the comments of other environmental health organizations and lawmakers in our efforts. We report the state of regulations in San Diego regarding leaded AVGAS at MYF.Conclusion(s): While physicians and the public in general are aware of lead's effects, many policymakers and physicians caring for children are unaware of AVGAS and the risk children in the vicinity of airports face. We found, as a clean air advocacy group, we could raise public health awareness regarding leaded aviation gasoline and contribute to placing public pressure on local politicians to address lead pollution from AVGAS as a neurodevelopmental toxin and an environmental justice concern.