Work Package 3

Recent literature on traffic related air pollution and health (HEI, 2010) concluded that there are substantial gaps in what we know about exposure to traffic pollution and its health effects, but that there is sufficient evidence that exposure to traffic-related air pollution causes asthma exacerbations in children and suggestive evidence that it may cause other health effects (such as the onset of childhood asthma, non asthma respiratory symptoms, impaired lung function and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality).

Using innovative techniques, this work-package aims to:

1. To investigate the associations between traffic pollution (air and noise) and adverse health effects occurring across the whole life span using a coordinated analysis of six health datasets
2. To quantify any associations so that they can be used for planning and policy using the same fine spatial scale modelled metrics of exposure that are routinely used in London
3. To investigate factors affecting vulnerability to traffic pollution through increased exposure or adverse socioeconomic circumstances.

• Lead: Prof Ross Anderson
• Module 1: Dr Mireille Toledano
• Module 2: Professor Peter Whincup
• Module 3: Professor Derek Cook
• Module 4: Dr Cathryn Tonne