Comprehensive Review of Frameworks, Methods, and Metrics for Cumulative Impact Assessment of Vulnerable Communities: A Science Perspective

Health inequities in disadvantaged communities can be exacerbated by socioeconomic and psychological stressors, background exposures and health conditions, and ethnic and cultural factors, which can be compounded by disproportionate exposures to pollution. The overall objective of this research investigation was to clarify the current underlying science, methods, and models used to develop cumulative assessments of non-chemical and chemical exposures, and to explore potential research needs for improving the quality and usefulness of cumulative impact assessments in vulnerable communities, including those with environmental justice (EJ) concerns. The comprehensive report of this research project is available here; journal articles delving into greater detail on specific areas identified in this research have been submitted for publication in the peer reviewed scientific literature. This research was supported by the Foundation for Chemistry Research & Initiatives (FCRI) in coordination with the ACC Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI).