Automobile Access

Bike Lane Access

Traffic Volume

Transportation

Diesel Particulate Matter

Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

Ozone

Clean Environment

Park Access

Tree Canopy

Neighborhood

Above Poverty

Employed

Per Capita Income

Economic

Census Response

Voting

Social

Insured Adults

Healthcare Access

Homeownership

Housing Habitability

Severely Cost Burdened Low-Income Homeowners

Severely Cost Burdened Low-Income Renters

Uncrowded Housing

Housing

Bachelor's Education

High School Enrollment

Preschool Enrollment

Education

Outdoor Workers

Supermarket Access

Two Parent Households

Library Access

Safe Drinking Water

Public Transit Access

Decision Support

Everyone should be able to live in neighborhoods where it is safe to breathe. Since diesel particulate matter is so small, it can reach deep into people’s lungs. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. It can also cause adverse respiratory outcomes such as chronic obstructive lung disease, asthma, altered pulmonary function, and other symptoms. Diesel PM is especially dangerous for children, exacerbating pulmonary inflammation and other risks. Evidence that links diesel PM to low birth weight and infant mortality is growing.

Diesel particulate matter (PM) consists of very small particles that are formed from diesel burning engines. This indicator measures the average daily amount of particulate pollution from diesel sources for the month of July.

Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative. (2015). Social determinants of health indicator. BARHII. Retrieved from https://www.barhii.org/sdoh-indicator-guide

To address high levels of diesel particulate matter, jurisdictions should prioritize strategies to reduce emission levels, while also helping to protect residents from current pollution. While diesel engines are used in a variety of applications, they are especially concentrated in freight such as ports, trucking, and railways. Local jurisdictions working to address the health impacts of diesel pollution should carefully assess the distribution of freight pollution by race, income, immigration status, neighborhood and other factors, and take steps to counter inequities.

There are many actions local jurisdictions can take to reduce pollution. They can incentivize or require 

Low-Emission Vehicles and Freight Facilities

 in many situations. They can also work with their local Air Quality Management District to 

, like construction, homes, and other stationary sources.

In addition to reducing pollution, it is essential to find ways to protect residents from existing diesel particulate matter sources and other emissions. Jurisdictions can 

 sources by using planning tools to ensure that new residential development and schools are not adjacent to these sources, and to encourage ending existing incompatible land uses. Where pollution and people must co-exist, jurisdictions can 

 by encouraging healthy design standards and accurate information collection and response to existing risks. Finally, jurisdictions can 

Build Community Engagement and Connection

 and partner with communities to address air quality issues.

For all strategies, jurisdictions should direct and prioritize efforts for places already overburdened by air pollution, and work to address existing inequities in health. In addition to relieving existing burdens, jurisdictions should identify opportunities to maximize additional health or quality of life benefits that can be achieved in addition to decreased pollution. For instance, 

 can improve indoor air quality, reduce asthma triggers, provide job training opportunities, and save residents money. Local governments should prioritize interventions that minimize risk in vulnerable communities, while maximizing benefits that meet community needs.

Where pollution and people must co-exist, encourage healthy design standards and accurate information collection and response to existing risks.

Pollution

Climate

Health

Equity

Strong Evidence

Weatherization Programs

Community Engagement and Connection

Sufficient Evidence

Monitoring and Warning Systems

Site Planning

Use planning tools to ensure that new homes and schools are not adjacent to pollution sources, and work to separate existing incompatible land uses.

Health Protective Buffers

Zoning

Reduce emissions from construction, homes, and other stationary sources.

Tobacco Taxes

Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs

Promising

Construction Best Management Practices

Emerging

Other Stationary Source Reduction Measures

Lawn and Garden Equipment Exchange and Incentive Programs

Reduce diesel pollution at its source by using cleaner freight technology and practices.

Policy Guide

Diesel Particulate Matter

References