Tufts researchers study the heart health of Bostonians living near highways

E-mail | Print | Comments () Posted by Cara Bayles April 5, 2011 05:03 PM

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By Cara Bayles, Town Correspondent

Researchers at Tufts are looking into whether neighborhoods in South Boston and Dorchester are affected by pollution from nearby highways.

They are hoping to determine whether exposure to ambient fine particulate pollution from car exhaust is related to cardiovascular disease in Bostonians who live near highways.

The study began in Somerville in 2009. It has since collected data from the Savin Hill neighborhood in Dorchester and the Mary Ellen McCormack housing development in South Boston (both of which abut I-93 and are about a mile apart), as well as the St. Mark's neighborhood in Dorchester, which is about one mile west of the highway.

This fall, researchers plan to also take data in Chinatown, which sits in the junction of I-93 and the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Researchers are surveying residents of the neighborhoods, and asking them to come in for a basic clinical test of blood pressure, cholesterol, and a blood sample. Project manager Don Meglio says the researchers have also commissioned an "ugly white RV" to drive around the neighborhoods, taking readings of particle levels that reflect how the pollution changes with the seasons, wind conditions, and traffic conditions.

"Our expectation would be at different times of day, the concentration of these particles are different," Meglio said.

It's likely that particle levels will be highest closer to the highway and during high traffic periods like rush hour. But Meglio cautioned against speculation, since mitigating factors like the shape of the road, wind, and trees can all limit the effect of pollution on a neighborhood. Researchers have already found that some neighborhoods in Somerville abutting the highway are protected from high pollution levels thanks to wind.

When their results are final, the researchers plan to consult neighborhood groups on how to improve health while living next to a major highway.

"Ultimately, what we would like to do is, based on where you're located, assign an exposure rating, so people know how to shift behavior to minimize exposure to fine particle pollution," Meglio said.

This might be easy to do, depending on how quickly the particles dissipate.

"A lot of folks go running close to highway, many during the worst times of the day. We would encourage them to run when their exposure might be more benign. Or, folks on Sidney Street [in Savin Hill], for example, might want to be aware of when they keep their windows open."

The study is still looking for residents from Savin Hill, particularly in the "over the bridge" community, to fill out the survey and go in for a clinical. To volunteer, email Meglio here.

E-mail Cara Bayles at carabayles@gmail.com.