ADVANCING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND JUSTICE IN LOW-INCOME ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS THROUGH EXPOSURE RESULTS COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Many low-income communities still face environmental health disparities, with children potentially being exposed to environmental hazards that can have a negative impact on their health, learning and wellbeing. Schools situated in underserved communities often have environmental health resource access, access to environmental health data and information, aging infrastructure, and poor indoor air quality issues. This research examines how exposure results communication can help to increase student, family, and school community environmental health literacy and environmental justice. The study explores the communication strategies that can enhance environmental exposure awareness, facilitate informed decision-making and promote community engagement in mitigating environmental risks in a clear, accessible, and culturally appropriate manner. The research is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of exposure data in creating meaningful exposure knowledge for low-income elementary school populations. It emphasizes the need for partnership between educators, the public health community, and the community to address disparities in environmental health. The findings from this study will give insights to the development of effective communication approaches that will enable vulnerable communities and enhance environmental health education in school settings.