A105-19 A Spatial Analysis of Air Pollution and Asthma Disparities in Orange County, Florida Using the Asthma Equity Explorer Tool

Rationale Air Quality in Orlando, Florida, has continued to worsen. People are exposed to unhealthy ozone smog and particulate matter. This impacts people with respiratory conditions like asthma. People in metropolitan Orlando, Florida, continue to face persistent public health risks due to an increase in exposure to ozone smog and particulate matter. This particularly impacts sensitive groups such as people with respiratory conditions like asthma, with localized hotspot neighborhoods, and vulnerable populations bearing the burden. Method: This study aimed to explore the relationship between air pollution, specifically particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), and asthma prevalence in Orlando, Florida, using data from the Allergy & Asthma Network’s Asthma Equity Explorer Database. Orlando was prioritized due to its diverse population, high population density, and significant asthma burden. Results Spatial map and data analysis reveal significant localized public health disparities that exceed state averages. Across the 100 census tracts in Orlando, Florida, the mean Asthma Prevalence is 10.3%, higher than the state average for Florida (9.9%). Similarly, the mean Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) is 7.4 µg/m3, compared to the state’s PM 2.5 average of 6.6µg/m3.At the neighborhood levels, the lowest PM 2.5 level was 6.4 µg/m3 in Census Tract 167.36 with an asthma prevalence of 9.1%. The highest PM 2.5 level was 7.7 µg/m3 in Census Tract 136.05 with an asthma prevalence of 10.1%. Conclusion Particulate matter is significantly associated with asthma prevalence, with a positive, weak relationship across Orlando, Florida, the city’s 100 census tracts. To address the health risks associated with elevated PM2.5, a multifaceted approach targeted at the neighborhood-level is needed, involving Air Quality control measures and monitoring, implementing emission standards, and advocating for clean energy and sustainable clean air practices.