Analyzing Differences in Air Pollution by Neighborhood in Two California Cities

Details

• Personal Author:
  Bae W ; Kang L ; Kim A ; Noth E ; Park S
• Description:
  Existing scientific research suggests a correlation between socioeconomic factors and air pollution, but has also called for further research due to inconsistencies in emerging patterns. This study takes on a more local perspective by focusing on the two specific cities of Richmond, CA and Berkeley, CA. This study investigated two air pollutants, carbon monoxide (CO) and PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less), in Berkeley and Richmond California[J1] to compare the impact of different socioeconomic status. These communities were selected based on sociodemographic, historical, and environmental exposure data. Although both cities are within the San Francisco Bay Area in California, they are characterized by contrasting socioeconomic attributes. In terms of collection, air pollution data was gathered manually, by carrying PATS+ (Particle and Temperature Sensors) monitors while walking in each city. These predetermined routes were designed to cover a variety of micro-environments (residential areas, non-residential (commercial) areas, intersections, non-intersections, etc.,) allowing us to compare the air pollution data at the microenvironment level within and between cities. Our results showed an insignificant difference in CO levels between Richmond and Berkeley and a higher average level of PM2.5 in Richmond. The highest PM2.5 levels in Richmond were in non-residential areas while Berkeley non-residential areas exhibited the highest CO levels. These air pollution differences correspond to our initial hypothesis, however, not to the degree that was expected. Although the difference in pollution levels was not substantial, this may be one of many cases pertaining to environmental injustice. Considering the socioeconomic gap and difference in exposure to air pollution between Berkeley and Richmond, it is important to note that air pollution is an increasing public health concern for communities facing socioeconomic challenges. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Air Pollution Community Health Services Environmental Exposure Occupational Health Particulate Matter Safety
• Keywords:
  Air Pollution Author Keywords: Air Pollution & Respiratory Health Community Health Environmental Exposure Environmental Health Monitoring Environmental Justice Particulates Sociological Factors
• Publisher:
  American Public Health Association
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  California ; Massachusetts ; OSHA Region 1 ; OSHA Region 3 ; OSHA Region 9 ; Pennsylvania ; Rhode Island
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20063053
• Citation:
  Creating the Healthiest Nation: For science. For action. For health. APHA 147th Annual Meeting and Exposition, November 2-6, 2019, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association, 2019 Nov; :448302
• CAS Registry Number:
  Carbon monoxide (CAS RN 630-08-0)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2020
• Performing Organization:
  University of California, Berkeley
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Creating the Healthiest Nation: For science. For action. For health. APHA 147th Annual Meeting and Exposition, November 2-6, 2019, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• End Date:
  20250630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:9411233ea258a2023ee25f640f2e3b1c1b1374425fe3be1be1d7b331d68a605809e5c9499d9b9c7e9b063bb46df65072d8a9a83b62f60ff370ffb315fe3051e0
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/226182/cdc_226182_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 461.85 KB ]