Exploring The Effects Of Traffic-Related Air Pollution On Public Health In Census Tract Level

Traffic has a significant impact on public health. Traffic-related air pollution affects the health of individuals, especially when it comes to respiratory and cardiovascular health. A large number of people die due to respiratory and cardiovascular-related complications each year. According to the World Health Organization, 17.9 million people died because of cardiovascular diseases in 2016, representing 31% of all global death. Although the impact of the traffic-related air pollution on individuals is evident, the relationship between traffic-related air pollution and public health has been less investigated in the census tract level. The main goal of the study was to determine whether there was a relation between the health of a community, the traffic within them, and how they connect. Traffic and health data of the entire Fresno County were collected and then were analyzed at the census tract level. The results of this research showed a significant effect of traffic congestion on public health in the census tract level. The findings of this study could help in future planning and in the allocation of funds to help communities with health problems.