Abstract
Close proximity to roadways has been associated with higher exposure to traffic-related air pollutants. However, analyses of the effects of season and meteorological parameters on horizontal gradient patterns of traffic-generated air pollutants still need to be elucidated. Our objectives were to: (1) determine effects of season on horizontal gradient patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total suspended particles (TSP), and PM2.5 near a heavily trafficked highway; and (2) examine the effect of day-of-the-week variations (weekday versus weekend) associated with traffic counts on measured airborne-contaminant levels. PAHs (Σ8PAHs [MW 228–278]; gas + particulate), TSP and PM2.5 were monitored at nominal distances (50, 100, and 150 m) from the New Jersey Turnpike every 6 days for periods of 24 h, between September 2007 and September 2008. Seasonal variations in the horizontal gradient patterns of Σ8PAHs were observed. In the summer, Σ8PAHs declined significantly between 50–100 m from the highway (23% decrease), but not between the furthermost distances (100–150 m). An inverse pattern was observed in the winter: Σ8PAHs declined between 100–150 m (26% decrease), but not between the closest distances. Σ8PAHs and TSP, but not PM2.5, concentrations measured on weekends were 12–37% lower than those on weekdays, respectively, corresponding to lower diesel traffic volume. This study suggests that people living in the close proximity to highways may be exposed to varying levels of Σ8PAHs, TSP, and PM2.5 depending on distance to highway, season, and day-of-the-week variations.
Highlights
Exposure to traffic-related particulate matter (PM) has been associated with adverse health effects such as respiratory symptoms, decreased lung function, cardiopulmonary mortality, and cancer [1,2,3].the uncertainties surrounding the precise physical and chemical components of PM, which are responsible for observed health risks, make it challenging to understand the causal relationships between PM exposure and health effects
This study suggests that people living in the close proximity to highways may be exposed to varying levels of Σ8PAHs, total suspended particles (TSP), and PM2.5 depending on distance to highway, season, and day-of-the-week variations
We found that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and TSP concentrations decreased substantially with increasing distance from the highway and the horizontal gradient patterns of 8PAHs varied by season
Summary
Exposure to traffic-related particulate matter (PM) has been associated with adverse health effects such as respiratory symptoms, decreased lung function, cardiopulmonary mortality, and cancer [1,2,3]. The uncertainties surrounding the precise physical and chemical components of PM, which are responsible for observed health risks, make it challenging to understand the causal relationships between PM exposure and health effects. [MW 228–278]), were associated with respiratory symptoms, low birth weight, and deficits in neurodevelopment and cognition in young children [4,5,6,7,8]. PAHs are semivolatile organic compounds, produced by the incomplete combustion of organic material. They are emitted from vehicles, fossil fuel and biomass burning, cigarette smoking and industrial activity [9]. Among the multiple sources of PAHs, motor vehicle exhaust is one of the largest ambient sources and contributes to 35% of the total atmospheric burden in U.S cities [9]
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