Goal: The overarching goal of this project is to estimate the exposure to on-/near-road PM2.5 and its potential short- and long-term health impacts. This study’s results will answer the question “Is the on-/near-road air healthy?” This information will subsequently enable evidence-based decision making at city and regional levels regarding transportation planning and land use, with the ultimate goal to promote public health and equity.
Approach: We will deploy 35 PurpleAir mobile sensors to measure PM2.5 concentrations at various locations near heavy-traffic roads across the Columbus metropolitan area. We will also conduct a health survey to understand the daily travel patterns and health status of 250-300 residents living in the study area. The air quality data, coupled with mobility data, will allow us to understand how exposure to traffic-related PM2.5 during everyday travel affects residents’ health outcomes.
Timeline: Summer 2021 – Spring 2022
What you can do to help: you could offer your location to place one of our air quality sensors or participate in our health survey if you are eligible.
Funders and partners: This project is funded by OSU Translational Data Analytics Institute and Sustainability Institute. It complements on-going efforts on measuring regional air quality and promoting environmental justice led by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.