Social Demographic Variables Obtained from Secondary Data Sources Relate to Spatial Trends in Traffic Volume Variables Obtained from PennDOT Data Sources
Vehicular traffic, and the transportation sector in general, plays a significant factor in elevating the amount of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in surrounding areas with heightened traffic exposure due to resuspended dust created on roadways that remains in the air with the consistent motion of oncoming vehicles. PM2.5 is an easily-inhalable air pollutant commonly linked to pulmonary health conditions including asthma, COPD, and overall decreased respiratory function. Historically, there have been marked health disparities caused by such environmental factors like PM2.5 in marginalized communities based on race/ethnicity and socioeconomic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine whether traffic volume was higher in Pennsylvania census tracts with greater proportions of racial/ethnic minority residents and according to median family income as well as Environmental Justice Area status.
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