Association between light absorption measurements of PM2.5 and distance from heavy traffic roads in the Mexico City metropolitan area

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between light absorption measurements of PM2.5 at various distances from heavy traffic roads and diesel vehicle counts in Mexico City. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PM2.5 samples were obtained from June 2003-June 2005 in three MCMA regions. Light absorption (b abs) in a subset of PM2.5 samples was determined. We evaluated the effect of distance and diesel vehicle counts to heavy traffic roads on PM2.5 b abs using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: Median PM2.5 b abs measurements significantly decrease as distance from heavy traffic roads increases (p<0.002); levels decreased by 7% (CI95% 0.9-14) for each 100 additional meters from heavy traffic roads. Our model predicts that PM2.5 b abs measurements would increase by 20% (CI95% 3-38) as the hourly heavy diesel vehicle count increases by 150 per hour. CONCLUSION: PM2.5 b abs measurements are significantly associated with distance from motorways and traffic density and therefore can be used to assess human exposure to traffic-related emissions.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Cortez-Lugo,Marlene, Escamilla-Núñez,Consuelo, Barraza-Villarreal,Albino, Texcalac-Sangrador,José Luis, Chow,Judith, Watson,John, Hernández-Cadena,Leticia, Romieu,Isabelle
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública 2013
Online Access:	http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-36342013000200006
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