BACKGROUND In Paris, air pollution is now a persistent environmental problem, especially linked to diesel cars in circulation. Exposure of children to air pollution during the journey from home to… Click to show full abstract
BACKGROUND In Paris, air pollution is now a persistent environmental problem, especially linked to diesel cars in circulation. Exposure of children to air pollution during the journey from home to school, which takes place during peak hours of traffic, is poorly documented. METHODS The purpose of this work was to identify spaces less exposed to PM10 pollution. We identified spatial recurrences in the relative distribution of air pollution levels using PM10 geolocated measures taken along a fixed circuit, crossing, among others, a speed regulation zone (<30km/h). Measurements were made eight mornings between 8 and 9 a.m., in April and September 2016 in the 14th district of Paris. We obtained a hierarchical classification of spaces in terms of recurrence of relative levels of PM10 concentration. RESULTS The cartography of the results revealed that the spaces more exposed to high concentrations were found similarly along main roads, side streets and speed regulation<30km/h) zones. These findings suggest speed regulation is insufficient to reduce individual exposure in city streets. CONCLUSION Elements linked to the functional aspects of the street (commercial/residential) were apparently as important as traffic speed.
               
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