Sustainability and Social Justice

Diesel Particulate Matter, Lung Cancer, and Asthma Incidences Along Major Traffic Corridors in MA, USA: A GIS Analysis

Document Type

Article

Abstract

By examining the census tracts and towns that are intersected by Massachusetts' major highway corridors, Diesel and Health along Massachusetts' Highway Corridors ascertains whether these areas contain significantly higher rates of diesel particulate matter (DPM), lung cancer, and asthma. DPM was significantly higher for corridor towns than non-corridor towns. Hot spot analysis revealed statistically significant clustering of elevated DPM concentrations and asthma incidence in certain towns. The location of these towns was compared to the location of environmental justice neighborhoods. The authors recommend a series of steps that can be taken by policy makers and planners to curb DPM emissions. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication Title

Health and Place

Publication Date

1-1-2008

Volume

14

Issue

4

First Page

817

Last Page

828

ISSN

1353-8292

DOI

10.1016/j.healthplace.2008.01.002

Keywords

asthma, diesel particulate matter, environmental justice, Geographic information systems (GIS), lung cancer, Massachusetts

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