This webinar was held on January 26, 2023.
Speakers:
- Elizabeth Rhinehart, Graduate Research Assistant, TTI
- Georges Bou-Saab, Assistant Research Scientist, TTI
Air Quality Distributional Equity Concerns for Vulnerable Populations in Disadvantaged Communities
The webinar will discuss relevant findings from published documents in the field of equity, transportation-related air pollution (TRAP), and vulnerable populations in disadvantaged communities. In the context of traffic safety, vulnerable populations are referred to as Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) as they are the most at risk of getting involved in a crash. VRUs typically include pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. For this presentation, we will expand on the definition of VRUs and incorporate subgroups such as children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals experiencing homelessness. These population groups have unique characteristics which make them more vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. The burden of disease is even more prominent for vulnerable populations in disadvantaged communities due to the inequitable distribution of vehicular emissions in their neighborhoods. The presenters will examine the following key points during the webinar:
- Why disadvantaged communities are disproportionately burdened by TRAP?
- Identify the vulnerable road users and subgroups which are mostly impacted by TRAP in disadvantaged communities.
- What are the risk factors and negative health impacts on the VRUs?
- Discuss potential intervention strategies and future research avenues to reduce pollutant exposure levels to vulnerable populations and pave the way for health equity.