Characterization of annual average traffic-related air pollution levels (particle number, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, PM2.5, carbon dioxide) in the greater Seattle area from a year-long mobile monitoring campaign

Researchers conducted a year-long mobile air quality monitoring campaign across the greater Seattle area, measuring traffic-related pollutants including ultrafine particles, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter, and carbon dioxide at 309 locations. The study developed predictive models of annual average pollution levels to support health research on how traffic emissions affect Seattle residents, particularly the elderly. The findings showed strong spatial variation in pollution levels linked to traffic and land use patterns across the region.

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This preprint describes a mobile monitoring campaign measuring traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) at 309 stop sites in the greater Seattle area to characterize exposure levels for the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) cohort study. The campaign measured particle number concentration, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, PM2.5, and carbon dioxide over one year across all seasons and times of day. Universal kriging–partial least squares models were developed to predict annual average pollutant concentrations, with cross-validated R² values ranging from 0.50 to 0.77 across pollutants.

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