Traffic and Children's Respiratory Health
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Janice J., Huen Karen, Adams Sara, Smorodinsky Svetlana, Hoats Abby, Malig Brian, Lipsett Michael, Ostro Bart
Primary Institution: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Air Pollution Epidemiology Section, Oakland, California, USA
Hypothesis
Is there an association between residential proximity to traffic and respiratory health outcomes in children?
Conclusion
Proximity to traffic is associated with adverse respiratory health effects in children, even in areas with good regional air quality.
Supporting Evidence
- Children living within 75 m of a freeway/highway had approximately twice the odds of current asthma compared to those living further away.
- Traffic metrics correlated moderately well with actual pollutant measurements.
- More than 70% of students who received questionnaires participated in the study.
Takeaway
Living close to busy roads can make kids more likely to have asthma and breathing problems, even if the air quality is generally good.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study using parental questionnaires and geographic information systems to assess traffic exposure and respiratory health outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential unmeasured confounders and reliance on parental reporting may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, has a relatively small sample size, and relies on surrogates for exposure assessment.
Participant Demographics
The study population was racially and ethnically diverse, with over 30% of households at or below the federal poverty level.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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