Traffic-related pollutants and human health within the interstate-10 Claiborne Corridor: land use implications

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This community-triggered investigation aims to characterize environmental conditions, population exposures and disease rates for neighborhoods along Interstate-10 (the Claiborne Corridor) in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. The goal of this work is to address concerns expressed by the neighborhood group Claiborne Reborn (CR) as they relate to health and environmental impacts of recently proposed land use plans for the overpass. METHODS: Potential and prevailing environmental health conditions were characterized based on reviews of available site-specific environmental and health data, limited site-specific air quality and noise pollution monitoring, and a review of published studies investigating health impacts of high traffic conditions. RESULTS:Exposure routes of greatest potential concern, based on the available data, include: inhalation of fine particulate air emissions from I-10 and road traffic by residents, workers, children and homeless; inhalation and ingestion of soil lead by children frequenting nearby parks, homes, daycares or schools; and regular noise pollution impacting area residents, workers, children and homeless. Adverse health impacts that are significantly associated with existing levels of hazards that were either measured or modeled in the area include respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSIONS:The aim of this project is to provide data upon which stakeholders can base decisions. Land use recommendations are evaluated and discussed within the context of their potential implications on the prevailing environmental, exposure and health conditions. KEYWORDS: Traffic, pollution, interstate, land use, research translation, policy