Mobility, Housing, and Air Pollution: Using Spatiotemporal Analysis to Identify Populations at Disproportionate Risk of Air Pollution Exposure

Abstract

Air pollution (NO2 & PM2.5) in urban environments is of high concern, as it has been attributed to premature deaths globally. This pattern of disease and mortality burden associated with air pollution remains true in Canada. Research in the United States has indicated that there is an inequitable distribution of air pollution, which may be a driver of health inequities. Inequitable air pollution exposure burden research in Canada thus far has been inconclusive, with some studies find injustices others do not. Recent literature suggests that at-risk populations (e.g., low income) are not more likely to be exposed to poor air pollution but inversely have less opportunity to be exposed to good air pollution. This research will examine the relationship between air pollution and at-risk population measures (as defined by the Ontario Marginalization Index) in Peel Region (a growing region west of Toronto with suburban, urban, and rural pockets) over 7 Canadian Census Years (1986- 2016). This analysis will also explore affordable housing locations and their proximity to clean air.