Making Air Pollution Visible: Development of an Interactive Map of Near Highway Ultrafine Particle Concentrations

Abstract

Introduction: There is a need for tools that promote environmental health literacy (EHL) in a range of ethnic and socioeconomic contexts. One example is the need to raise awareness of traffic related air pollution and ultrafine particles (UFP) that are elevated near major roadways and are increasingly linked to adverse health effects. Methods: We sought to develop an educational visualization tool using the open source Weave software platform. We used a previously published fine resolution (20 m), hourly land-use regression model of UFP for one neighborhood, Boston Chinatown, as the algorithm for predicting pollution levels. The primary predictors in the model are wind speed and direction, temperature, traffic volume, and distance from Interstate 93 and major intersections. We used an iterative process to review and revise the map interface with the participation of the project team and community members. Results: The product is a map that can be either web or computer-based. It displays UFP levels averaged across census blocks using a gradation of color from white to dark red. The interactive features allow users to explore and learn how changing meteorological conditions and traffic volume influences UFP concentrations. It is also possible to select from multiple map layers, such as a street map or satellite photo. The map legends and labels are available in both Chinese and English, and thus accessible to immigrants and residents with proficiency in either language. The map is the centerpiece of a multi-modal and inter-generational educational intervention developed jointly by university researchers and community partners. Conclusions: We have shown that hourly land-use regression model outputs can be used to develop interactive educational visualizations to educate about local air pollution. There is a need to show that the map we developed is effective in educational interventions and to develop similar maps for other neighborhoods and other pollutants.