Traffic-related air pollution in marginalized neighborhoods: a community perspective

Abstract

Objectives

Marginalized communities are exposed to higher levels of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) than the general population. TRAP exposure is linked to pulmonary toxicity, neurotoxicity, and cardiovascular toxicity often through mechanisms of inflammation and oxidative stress. Early life exposure to TRAP is also implicated in higher rates of asthma in these same communities. There is a critical need for additional epidemiological, in vivo, and in vitro studies to define the health risks of TRAP exposure affecting the most vulnerable groups to set strict, protective air pollution standards in these communities.

Materials and Methods

A literature review was conducted to summarize recent findings (2010–2024) concerning TRAP exposure and toxic mechanisms that are relevant to the most affected underserved communities.

Conclusions

Guided by the perspectives of NYC community scientists, this contemporary review of toxicological and epidemiological studies considers how the exposome could lead to disproportionate exposures and health effects in underserved populations.

Keywords:

• TRAP
• PM
• marginalized populations
• community
• toxic mechanisms
• NYC

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, J.T.Z., upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to note the support of NYU’s NIEHS Training Grant T32E007324.