Intersections as Hot Spots: Assessing the Contribution of Localized Nontailpipe Emissions and Noise on the Association Between Traffic and Children’s Lung Function

This report, available for downloading below, presents a study led by Meredith Franklin at the University of Southern California. Franklin and colleagues examined the association between nontailpipe particle exposures and lung function in the landmark Children’s Health Study in Southern California and explored the role of noise and green space.

Key takeaways:

• They developed novel spatiotemporal land use regression models for 24 fine and coarse particle components, including nontailpipe indicators (copper, iron, and zinc) and tailpipe indicators (organic and elemental carbon).
• The study documented reductions in lung function with exposure to iron and, to a lesser extent, copper. Associations were also reported for organic carbon and marginally with elemental carbon.
• The associations modestly decreased after adjustment for traffic noise and green space.