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Understanding Sources and Exposure Near Roadways
Abstract:
Air pollution from ambient sources continues to adversely impact human health in the United States. A fundamental goal for EPA is to implement air quality standards and regulations that reduce health risks associated with exposures to criteria pollutants and air toxics. However, this is not an easy or straightforward task. The NRC has recommended that research should be conducted to identify those pollutants and sources that are responsible for the most significant risks in air sheds. A critical component of this research is to develop an understanding of how pollutants from sources impact ambient concentrations and, in turn, how these concentrations relate to exposures. This information provides a fundamental linkage for evaluating health impacts and developing effective mitigation strategies.
A significant number of epidemiological studies have identified an increase in occurrence of adverse health effects associated with exposures to mobile source emissions. These adverse effects include asthma, other respiratory diseases, cardiovascular effects, cancer, developmental effects, and even mortality. A recent American Housing Survey (2001) estimated that over 35 million people in the U.S. reside within 100 meters of a major transportation facility. In addition, many millions more may be exposed to mobile source exhaust through their occupations (construction, lawn and garden equipment operators, tollbooth attendants, etc.), personal activities, or the location of their school or office near major roads. Thus, the ubiquitous nature of mobile source emissions results in a large segment of the population exposed to both fresh and aged emissions.
The EPA has identified population exposures and health effects in the near road environment as a major area of research emphasis. NERL personnel will collaborate with other EPA organizations, as well as external stakeholders, in evaluating the impacts of mobile source emissions on the health of nearby populations. HEASD personnel will lead efforts on identifying the relationship of motor vehicle emissions and ambient exposures near roadways, developing monitoring and modeling guidance for assessing these impacts and exposures, and determining impacts on indoor air quality for near road buildings including schools.
Objective:
The main research question guiding this task is “how do mobile source emissions impact exposures and, in turn, public health in the near road environment.” The main objectives of this task include:
- Develop and improve analytical methods that measure emissions from mobile sources.
- Identify spatial and temporal variability in pollutant concentrations near major roadways.
- Determine infiltration of traffic related pollutants into nearby buildings.
- Evaluate and improve, as necessary, mobile source emissions and human exposure models to identify the relationship of traffic operation and impacts on human health and the environment.
Relevance/Significance/Impact:
With the increasing number of epidemiological and toxicological studies associating mobile source emissions with adverse health effects, the need for projects assessing air quality and human exposure impacts from these emissions is critical. The ubiquitous nature of mobile sources leads to significant impacts to air quality and potentially significant exposures for a vast majority of the population in the U.S. and around the world. Exposure data is critical to policy makers in determining the need for emission controls, the benefits of emission reductions, and the assessment of existing regulations. This data is also critical to transportation and urban planners in addressing Conformity, NEPA, and smart growth issues.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Alan Vette