Abstract
BackgroundStudies have shown a consistent association between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and adverse health effects. In particular, exposure can be high for cyclists who travel near roadways. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between short-term exposure of near-road traffic emissions and acute changes in lung function among individuals who frequently bike in the Sacramento and Davis areas in California. Ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM) was used as a surrogate for near-roadway exposure in this study since the main source of this pollutant is from motor vehicle exhaust.MethodsThirty-two bicyclists were recruited and completed two rides on separate days during the study period of March-June, 2008. One ride was on a high traffic route paralleling a section of Interstate 80 (I-80)/Interstate Business 80 (I-80B), and a second one was on a low traffic route, such as bike paths away from major highways. The participant’s lung function was measured before and after each ride, and UFPM exposure was measured during the rides using a condensation particle counter (CPC).ResultsIn the final linear mixed-effect model using median UFPM concentrations as the main exposure, we observed that lung function change (post–ride minus baseline measurements) shifted in the negative direction. Lung function changed by 216 mL for FVC and 168 mL for FEV1, respectively, for an interquartile range (IQR: 12,225 to 36,833 number of particles/cm3) increase of UFPM concentration after adjusting for other covariates of age, sex, wind direction, and day of the week.ConclusionsThis study found significant associations between increased levels of UFPM concentrations as a proxy for near road traffic pollution, and decrements in lung function measurements. Our results are related to short-term exposures, and the long-term health effects of cycling near heavy traffic require further research. Our study suggests the need to reduce traffic pollution, particularly near roads. Cyclists should plan their route to reduce their exposure where possible and further research on built environment designs may help urban planners to reduce the potential health concerns of cyclists’ exposure to traffic-related air pollution.
Highlights
Studies have shown a consistent association between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and adverse health effects
We found a significant association between decreased lung function and short-term exposure to Ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM) measured during cycling
Another study showed that a decrease in peak expiratory flow (PEF) with relation to UFPM exposure was observed right after cycling, similar results were not found with other lung function measurements such as Forced vital capacity (FVC) and Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) [19]
Summary
Studies have shown a consistent association between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and adverse health effects. Traffic pollution is known to be associated with health impacts, the source of these health impacts within the mixture of near-roadway emissions has not been identified Due to this uncertainty, a few components of traffic air pollution have been utilized as surrogates to investigate the health impacts of exposure including ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM) [2]. While there is no definitive consensus on the best surrogate for traffic pollution, UFPM in the near road environment is dominated by traffic emissions, and has been used as a proxy for exposure to combustion-related traffic emission from vehicles on the roadway [9,10,11] Active transportation such as biking or walking has been suggested as an important way of reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and emissions of traffic-related pollutants, as well as providing increases in health benefits from increased physical activity [12, 13]. There is a concern that bicycle commuters might experience harmful effects from increased exposures to trafficrelated pollution due to their close proximity to vehicle emissions and their increased ventilation rate [14]
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