The built environment and health: Impacts of pedestrian-friendly designs on air pollution exposure

摘要: In the wake of growing popularity pedestrian-oriented community designs, it is timely to assess potential risk trade-offs such urban planning strategies. Pedestrian-friendly designs are currently being called for and implemented in US tackle particular problems associated with insufficient physical activity population. Unintended consequences may emerge, however, especially due increases inhalation pollutants as population walking or cycling polluted environments increases. A assessment built environment transformations was undertaken evaluate quantitatively competing risks benefits design changes active travel. simulation model, incorporating research from fields transportation, environmental sciences exposure analysis, applied a case study area that undergoes hypothetical transformations. We find simulated experiences roughly same number days year decreases energy expenditure pollutants. 5% greatest shifts, PM(10) shown increase by 175% more, while exhibited reductions 45% more (with similar results ozone). Of concern, some individuals double their intake on high pollution days. However, uncertainty estimates high. particular, interpretations very different according approach used characterize year-long patterns. This innovative uncovers critical gaps literature must be further researched allow essential comprehensive analyses decisions.