Spatial Analysis of Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution in Mexico: Implications for Urban Planning to Improve Public Health

Abstract In cities, traffic is one of the major determinants for air quality. Studies have shown that proximity to roadways with heavy has been linked increased incidence and prevalence a range health effects such as adverse birth outcomes, dementia, asthma, risk bronchitis, wheezing, deficits in lung function growth airway inflammation, especially among children. Mexico, 103 urban areas quality monitoring, whilst more than 2,000 cities lack any information only 29 monitoring systems are robust enough estimate exposure. This poses serious limitations environmental authorities when aiming at assessing current exposure levels Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP) purpose designing implementing policies reduce impacts poor population. study proposes an approach population potentially exposed TRAP using Space Syntax’s accessibility index form variable. We selected ten most accessible roads five Mexican proportion vulnerable (residents, employees, schoolchildren, hospital patients) highest potential distance 500 m. Our findings show similar continually due studies complex models. Finally, this presents alternatives emissions cities.