Oxidative potential
(OP) has been proposed as a possible integrated
metric for particles smaller than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) to evaluate adverse health outcomes associated with particulate
air pollution exposure. Here, we investigate how OP depends on sources
and chemical composition and how OP varies by land use type and neighborhood
socioeconomic position in the Los Angeles area. We measured OH formation
(OPOH), dithiothreitol loss (OPDTT), black carbon,
and 52 metals and elements for 54 total PM2.5 samples collected
in September 2019 and February 2020. The Positive Matrix Factorization
source apportionment model identified four sources contributing to
volume-normalized OPOH: vehicular exhaust, brake and tire
wear, soil and road dust, and mixed secondary and marine. Exhaust
emissions contributed 42% of OPOH, followed by 21% from
brake and tire wear. Similar results were observed for the OPDTT source apportionment. Furthermore, by linking measured
PM2.5 and OP with census tract level socioeconomic and
health outcome data provided by CalEnviroScreen, we found that the
most disadvantaged neighborhoods were exposed to both the most toxic
particles and the highest particle concentrations. OPOH exhibited the largest inverse social gradients, followed by OPDTT and PM2.5 mass. Finally, OPOH was
the metric most strongly correlated with adverse health outcome indicators.
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