Traffic-related Air Pollution near Busy Roads

Abstract

Recent studies, primarily in Europe, have reported associations between respiratory symptoms and residential proximity to traffic; however, few have measured traffic pollutants or provided information about local air quality. We conducted a school-based, crosssectional study in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2001. Information on current bronchitis symptoms and asthma, home environment, and demographics was obtained by parental questionnaire (n ϭ 1,109). Concentrations of traffic pollutants (particulate matter, black carbon, total nitrogen oxides [NO X ], and nitrogen dioxide [NO 2 ]) were measured at 10 school sites during several seasons. Although pollutant concentrations were relatively low, we observed differences in concentrations between schools nearby versus those more distant (or upwind) from major roads. Using a two-stage multiple-logistic regression model, we found associations between respiratory symptoms and traffic-related pollutants. Among those living at their current residence for at least 1 year, the adjusted odds ratio for asthma in relationship to an interquartile difference in NO X was 1.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.14). Thus, we found spatial variability in traffic pollutants and associated differences in respiratory symptoms in a region with good air quality. Our findings support the hypothesis that traffic-related pollution is associated with respiratory symptoms in children.

Pollutant and noise impact on child morbidity

“…The relative risk and the attributable risk are similar to those reported for other studies in children [27,28].…”

Variations in the OM/OC ratio of urban organic aerosol next to a major roadway

“…Together with BC, OM is the dominant component of the particulate fraction of vehicular exhaust (Schauer et al, 2002), which by itself has also been associated with health effects (Mauderly, 1994;Weingartner et al, 1997;Seagrave et al, 2006;Hiura et al, 2000). Effects evident in subjects living next to roadways include increased asthma rates, detrimental fetal development during pregnancy, decreased lung capacity, and increased cardiovascular disease (Health Effects Institute Panel on the Health Effects of Traffic-Related Air Pollution, 2010;Edwards et al, 1994;Nitta et al, 1993;Kim et al, 2004;Finkelstein et al, 2004;Kunzli et al, 2000;Hoek et al, 2002;Kan et al, 2010;. Since OM is a substantial fraction of PM, characterizing the OM in particulate matter is important for understanding PM mass and its associated health effects.…”

Near-road air quality monitoring: Factors affecting network design and interpretation of data

“…These studies indicate that populations living, working, or going to school near major roads may be subjected to an increased risk for a number of adverse health effects, including respiratory, cardiovascular, premature mortality, birth and developmental effects, and cancer (e.g., Pearson et al 2000;Wilhelm and Ritz 2003;Finkelstein et al 2004;Gauderman et al 2005;McConnell et al 2006;Adar and Kaufman 2007;Samet 2007;Samal et al 2008). Air quality monitoring studies have measured elevated concentrations of pollutants emitted directly by motor vehicles near large roadwaysrelative to overall urban background concentrationsalthough these studies have been for short durations (e.g., Zhu et al 2002;Harrison et al 2003;Reponen et al 2003;Kim et al 2004;Baldauf et al 2008a). These elevated concentrations generally occur within a few hundred meters of the road; however, this distance may vary depending on the traffic patterns, environmental conditions, topography, and the presence of roadside structures.…”