“I’m on a First Name Basis with Everybody at the EPA”: Measuring Community Impact of Air Pollution from a Hemp Processing Plant

Air pollution is comprised of a complex mixture of various gases and particulate matter that can be damaging to human health after both short-term and long-term exposure (Bergstra et al., 2018; Sass et al., 2017). This research examined the biopsychosocial impact of exposure to air pollution in a rural community sample using a mixed methods approach. Residents from this rural community engaged a university affiliated environmental health science center to understand and assist with potential health risks associated with a local hemp processing plant. Researchers from the center conducted a mixed methods study that involved in-depth interviews and administration of standardized scales on physical and mental health with seven community residents. Results indicate that there were a range of mild to moderate physical health symptoms and higher than average levels of anxiety/distress. Themes from the interviews included physical health concerns, support from government officials, community support/alienation, impact on relationships, emotional distress, forced relocation and loss, and confounding effect of COVID-19. Implications for community practice to support the biopsychosocial needs of those experiencing environmental exposure or risk are discussed.