Air Pollution Effects and Mental Health Impacts
Air Pollution Effects and Mental Health
While pollution consists of many components, this study focused on measurements of fine particulate matter, which is produced by car engines, wildfires, fireplaces and wood stoves, and power plants fueled by coal or natural gas. Fine particulate matter (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter or PM2.5) is easily inhaled, can be absorbed into the bloodstream and is considered a greater risk than larger particles.
Monitoring Air Pollution Effects
Heavy Bay Area commute traffic, truck traffic, industry, and oil refineries all contribute to elevated PM2.5 and other pollutants. There are numerous resources to help identify when exterior pollution levels are elevated so that we can limit our exposure.
Sites that display monitoring data:
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) developed CalEnviroScreen 3.0 to help identify communities with population characteristics making them more sensitive to pollution and disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution.
Air Pollution Effects Higher Inside Your Car Than Outdoors
A 2017 study measured air pollution levels inside cars during morning commutes in downtown Atlanta, GA. The study measured PM2.5 and oxidative byproducts of PM2.5. Levels measured inside cars were up to twice as high as those measured by roadside sensors.
The chemical composition of exhaust apparently changes very quickly, so roadside sensors may not accurately convey the real exposure.Sunlight also heats pavement which causes updrafts carrying pollution higher into the air, and into drivers’ breathing zones.
Oakland Map displays the varying levels of carbon black measured by a Google Street View vehicle equipped with air monitoring equipment.
Another effort to quantify exposure to pollutants not represented by stationary air monitors was a partnership between the Environmental Defense Fund and Google Street.
In select cities, street view cars were equipped with air monitoring equipment to measure black carbon, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide concentrations.
This map of Oakland demonstrates how pockets of higher pollution form. The data was collected daytime on weekdays, and sampled each road an average of 30 times.
Environmental Defense Fund Air Quality Maps
Here this Oakland Map displays the varying levels of carbon black measured by a Google Street View vehicle equipped with air monitoring equipment.
How to Protect Yourself From Rush Hour Air Pollution
You can protect yourself to a degree by keeping windows closed and ventilation off while idling at stop lights and stuck in stop and go traffic. A study looked at particulate concentrations in three size ranges (PM10, PM 2.5, and PM1.) entering the cabin of vehicles during stop and go traffic. Coarse particles (PM10 to PM 2.5) are assumed to come from road abrasion and tire and brake wear, while PM 2.5 and smaller are assumed to come from vehicle emissions.
The study found the most effective way to keep particulate pollution out of the vehicle was to turn off the ventilation fan and close windows while delayed in traffic. Car ventilation systems are more effective at removing the larger particles from air than the finer, PM 2.5 particulates, thereby allowing fine particles in to the cabin even if windows are closed with the ventilation fan on. Having the fan on recirculate prevented pulling particulates into the car when in traffic delays.
For information on how proximity to roadways impacts indoor air quality in our homes, see this blog on Indoor Air Pollution Near Busy Roads.
For more information on indoor air quality or to schedule an assessment for your home or office contact us here.
