Air pollution accountability research: Moving from a chain to a web.

Air pollution accountability studies examine the relationship(s) between an intervention, regulation, or event and the resulting downstream impacts, if any, on emissions, exposure, and/or health. The sequence of events has been schematically described as an accountability chain. Here, we update the existing framework to capture real-life complexities and to highlight important factors that fall outside the linear chain. This new "accountability web" is intended to convey the intricacies associated with conducting an accountability study to various audiences, including researchers, policy makers, and stakeholders. We also identify data considerations for planning and completing a robust accountability study, including those relevant to novel and innovative air pollution and exposure data. Finally, we present a series of recommendations for the accountability research community that can serve as a guide for the next generation of accountability studies.
Competing Interests: Support for the Workshop was provided by the 10.13039/100011253American Petroleum Institute (API). API was not involved in the Workshop deliberations nor in the preparation or approval of the manuscript. The authors retain sole responsibility for the writing and content of this paper, which represent the professional opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of API or its member companies. As Workshop facilitators, CJB, JEG, and JSL received compensation and travel support from 10.13039/100011253API. Travel support was also provided to all authors except AMR, HSE, and SL. Honoraria were provided to SE, LRFH, MN, AGR, and JWH. JSL, JEG, JWH, and CJB consult to governmental and private organizations, including API, on issues related to air pollution epidemiology. The views expressed in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of EPA, API (or its member companies), or co-authors' employers.
(© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.)