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Consideration of Exposures to Traffic-Related Air Pollution with Smart Growth Development
Citation:
Russell, A., R. Baldauf, J. Thomas, C. Bailey, AND K. Stewart. Consideration of Exposures to Traffic-Related Air Pollution with Smart Growth Development. 2014 Transportation/ Land Use Planning and Air Quality Conference, Charlotte, NC, March 03 - 04, 2014.
Impact/Purpose:
Presentation outlining how smart growth practices impact near-road air pollution exposures and health effects
Description:
We address the near-road pollution problem as it relates to smart growth design strategies. Studies have shown that pollution levels tend to be high near heavily traveled roads and that road proximity is related to adverse health effects. These findings can conflict with urban planning that encourages dense, infill development close to transportation corridors, designed to reduce reliance on personal vehicles by creating walkable and bikeable places with ready access to transit. As people live and work in areas along heavily traveled corridors, there may be a resulting increase in exposure to localized air pollution, even while these strategies aim to reduce regional air pollution. We build on previous work, synthesizing the results of near-road pollution studies and providing a conceptual framework of strategies that planners may use to mitigate near-road pollution exposure and promote healthier and more livable communities. We present case study findings to illustrate the effectiveness of these pollution mitigation strategies. The material presented will familiarize planners with the near-road pollution problem and will suggest strategies that may help prevent an inadvertent increase in exposure to near-road pollution when applying smart growth design principles.