Assessing Microbial and Chemical Exposures in Beaumont, Texas

DAVID JARMA, Juan Pedro Maestre, Pawel K. Misztal, Kerry Kinney, University of Texas at Austin

     Abstract Number: 497
     Working Group: Indoor Aerosols

Abstract
We spend roughly 90% of our time indoors, so it is important to understand the environmental factors that affect indoor air quality as indoor exposures to particulate matter (PM) can be higher than outdoor exposures. PM-associated contaminants of concern include fungi, bacteria and chemical contaminants such as flame retardants and phthalates. Environmental justice communities such as Beaumont, Texas are subject to acute flooding events that can lead to the proliferation of mold as well as chronic chemical exposures due to the major petrochemical facilities located in this area. Additionally, such disadvantaged areas frequently have poorer health outcomes and life expectancy rates below the national average. In this study, home PM-associated contaminants were assessed via dust samples collected from 40 homes in Beaumont, Texas during the summer to explore household exposures to microbial and chemical pollutants.

Microbial DNA was extracted using the Applied Biosystems, MagMAX Microbiome Ultra Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit, and the resultant bacterial and fungal DNA were analyzed - 16S and ITS - on the MiSeq genomic sequencing platform. SVOCs are being analyzed with a novel technique capable of direct, untargeted analysis of hundreds of compounds. Household information about the presence of indoor mold, home location in relation to water, household materials, and cleaning regime were collected via REDCap online survey.

Relationships between environmental factor survey data, microbial sequencing data, and SVOC data are being investigated. In order to foster better human health, it is crucial to study and understand pollutant exposures and their sources in the spaces we frequent most often, particularly in vulnerable communities.