Advancing environmental exposure and health impact assessment research with travel behaviour studies

Figures & data

Figure 1. Transdisciplinary framework for studying environmental exposure.

Table 1. Mapping the role of transportation in exposure research.

Research topic	Contribution from transportation	Area needing further research or improvement
Traffic-related emissions: where, when, and how much	Traffic modelling: fleet mix, routing, chemical transport, and diffusion	Traffic-related noise and air pollution models with emerging transportation technologies (e.g., alternative-fuel vehicles)
Travellers’ exposure to environmental risks and benefits: when, where, why (i.e., travel purposes and motives), what (e.g., travel mode), and who (e.g., socioeconomic disparity)	Travel demand modelling: time, mode, route, environment along the road Travel behaviour: survey methods, long tracking period	Integrating spatial patterns, temporal rhythms, and GPS data Data collection: fusing multiple data sources and data collection methods (e.g., GPS, cellphone data, smart card, wearable sensors, on-road sensors). Assessment of transport microenvironments (pollutant levels, noise, heat) Comparing routes and different spatial interventions Evaluate population-health outcomes using scenario analysis (e.g., aggregated health impact assessment or disaggregated simulation using synthetic population)
Impacts of exposure on health and wellbeing	Modelling route choice and travel patterns Travel-related wellbeing	Disaggregate assessment of exposure (e.g., correlating health outcomes and exposure levels) Health impact assessment of exposure during travel Disparity in exposure to risks and health outcomes across space, demographic groups, and travel modes for equity analysis. Well-being during travel can be moderated by exposure to traffic environments
Reducing exposure to harmful pollution, promoting exposure to green and blue space	Scenario planning Integrated land use and transport planning	Route choice modelling and suggestions, use of AI Informed planning interventions to promote health and well-being (e.g., street design, planning active travel routes that minimise risks and maximise benefits)