Date of Award

2026-05-01

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Environmental Engineering

Advisor(s)

Gabriel G. Ibarra-Mejia

Second Advisor

Thomas T. E. Gill

Abstract

This research comprises four interconnected studies focusing on the effects of exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) and heat stress on adverse health outcomes in El Paso County, Texas, USA a unique geographic region with climatic and socioeconomic conditions amplifying health risks. Together, these studies address critical knowledge gaps regarding the combined influence of air quality, thermal stress, and social vulnerability on adverse health outcomes. The first study, a systematic review and meta-analysis, evaluates prenatal PM2.5 exposure as a risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Findings confirm trimester-specific vulnerability, with the third trimester identified as a critical exposure window, warranting the need for targeted air quality interventions during late gestation. The second study examines the synergistic effects of trimester-specific PM2.5 exposure and heat stress on adverse birth outcomes in El Paso County from 2010 to 2014. Results reinforce the third trimester as a critical period and demonstrate that compound environmental exposures in arid regions require climate-appropriate thermal metrics and trimester-resolved modeling to accurately characterize pregnancy risk. The third study investigates the geographic clustering of adverse birth outcomes in relation to multidimensional social vulnerability across 447 census block groups, using linked birth records and the CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index. Findings reveal that perinatal outcomes are geographically structured and strongly associated with racial and ethnic minority composition, supporting culturally aligned interventions, including Promotora-led prenatal education and expanded Medicaid access in high-vulnerability neighborhoods. The fourth study analyzes relationships between PM2.5, meteorological variables, and daily COVID-19 cases in El Paso County. PM2.5, wind speed, and visibility emerged as significant predictors, highlighting the need for cross-border air quality management, real-time monitoring, and strengthened public health communication systems. Collectively, these studies emphasize that environmental and social determinants of health intersect to shape health outcomes in El Paso County, with implications for policy and targeted intervention design.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

190 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Shaila Nazneen

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Available for download on Friday, June 16, 2028

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