Rosofsky A, Levy JI, Zanobetti A, Janulewicz P, Fabian MP. (2018). Temporal trends in air pollution exposure inequality in Massachusetts. Environ Res 161: 76-86
A study published in Environmental Research by CRESSH MAP-EHD (Project 3) researchers found that despite overall decreases in air pollution, exposure inequalities still persist in Massachusetts. The study, titled “Temporal trends in air pollution exposure inequality in Massachusetts,” used modeled PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations as well as U.S. Census data over an eight year period to look at the drivers and trends of exposure inequality over time. The researchers found the greatest inequalities in air pollution exposure among racial/ethnic groups, with non-Hispanic black and Hispanic populations experiencing disproportionately high concentrations. These disparities were more pronounced in urban areas, potentially due to increased segregation. The ability to examine these inequalities longitudinally allowed for a more in depth look at disparities in air pollution exposure, which may provide future insights into how changes in sociodemographic factors over time may influence things like land-use decisions, policy enforcement, or other factors that impact emissions and pollutant concentrations in different areas. This study was featured in an article by the BU School of Public Health, who also created a video highlighting the study’s findings.