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Linking Sources to Exposure

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Current Research Tasks

Understanding Sources and Exposures in an Airshed

Image of scientis with lab equipmentThe purpose of this research is to improve our understanding of the sources of air pollution impacting an airshed and the resulting impact on the air people breathe in a community. The airshed selected for this research is Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study (DEARS) is a study of community, residential, and personal exposures to air pollutants and their sources. The study includes a 3-year field monitoring program with data collected twice per year (summer and winter). These data will be used for modeling and statistical analyses to quantify the impact of various local and regional air pollution sources on the air people breathe in a community. The primary goal of the study is to evaluate and describe the relationship between air toxics, particulate matter (PM), PM components, and PM from specific sources measured at an outdoor community monitor and measurements of residential and personal concentrations. This information will be used to identify the contribution of various pollutant sources (automotive, industrial and natural sources) at the community and neighborhood level, as well as, to personal exposures. In addition, the study will provide important data to evaluate the suitability of using community monitoring data as a surrogate for human exposures to PM components and air toxics from specific sources in analyses of air pollution impacts on public health. The research will provide important information for future air regulations and policies that address local scale issues, such as concerns relating to environmental justice or near roadway exposures and health impacts. For additional information see http://www.epa.gov/DEARS/. Details of Understanding Sources and Exposures in an Airshed

Understanding Sources and Exposures Near Roadways

Adverse health effects including asthma, cardiovascular effects, cancer, developmental effects, and even mortality have been associated with exposure to roadway related air pollutants. Over 35 million people in the U.S. live within 100 meters of a major transportation facility. Many millions more may be exposed to mobile source pollution through their occupations or the location of their school or office near major roads. Yet, relatively little information exists on people’s exposures to air pollutants near roads. This research will address key uncertainties in the impacts of roadway related air pollutants on the air people breathe, near-field dispersion of roadway related pollutants, and impacts on indoor air quality of residences and buildings in close proximity to roadways. This information will be used to determine the contribution of exhaust emissions, tire and brake wear, and road dust in the air people breathe. Additionally, the research will be used to evaluate and improve models to more accurately estimate human exposure to roadway related pollutants. Details of Understanding Sources and Exposures Near Roadways

Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences

Research & Development | National Exposure Research Laboratory

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