title: Developing Community-Level Policy and Practice to Reduce Traffic-Related Air Pollution Exposure.
abstract: The literature consistently shows associations of adverse cardiovascular and pulmonary outcomes with residential proximity to highways and major roadways. Air monitoring shows that traffic-related pollutants (TRAP) are elevated within 200-400 m of these roads. Community-level tactics for reducing exposure include the following: 1) HEPA filtration; 2) Appropriate air-intake locations; 3) Sound proofing, insulation and other features; 4) Land-use buffers; 5) Vegetation or wall barriers; 6) Street-side trees, hedges and vegetation; 7) Decking over highways; 8) Urban design including placement of buildings; 9) Garden and park locations; and 10) Active travel locations, including bicycling and walking paths. A multidisciplinary design charrette was held to test the feasibility of incorporating these tactics into near-highway housing and school developments that were in the planning stages. The resulting designs successfully utilized many of the protective tactics and also led to engagement with the designers and developers of the sites. There is a need to increase awareness of TRAP in terms of building design and urban planning.
authors.affiliation: Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine.
authors.forename: Doug
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brugge
authors.affiliation: Tufts University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
authors.forename: Allison P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Patton
authors.affiliation: City of Somerville, Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bob
authors.affiliation: Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership.
authors.forename: Ellin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Reisner
authors.affiliation: Chinese Progressive Association.
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.affiliation: Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine.
authors.forename: Oliver-John M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Bright
authors.affiliation: Tufts University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Durant
authors.affiliation: Linnean Solutions.
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.affiliation: Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership.
authors.forename: Wig
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zamore