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 fine particulate matter is so small, it can reach deep into people’s lungs leading to adverse health outcomes. 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. PM

 is especially dangerous for children, exacerbating pulmonary inflammation and other risks. Evidence that links PM

 to low birth weight and infant mortality is growing.

) is the technical term for very small particles from vehicle tailpipes, tires and brakes, power plants, factories, burning wood, construction dust, and many other sources.

 These particles are 30 times smaller than a human hair, or 2.5 micrometers. This indicator measures the annual average amount of these particles,

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

Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Particulate matter (PM) basics. EPA. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/particulate-matter-pm-basics#PM

Annual mean concentration of PM2.5 (average of quarterly means, μg/m3), over three years (2012 to 2014)

To address high levels of fine particulate matter, jurisdictions should work to reduce vehicle miles traveled and PM

 emission levels, while also helping to protect residents from current pollution.

 ‎ While local jurisdictions do not have regulatory authority over most smokestack (stationary source) and tailpipe (mobile source) emissions, there are many actions local jurisdictions can take to reduce pollution. They can incentivize or require 

 Facilities in many situations. They can also limit PM2.5 by helping reduce car travel—decreasing tailpipe emissions and other particles released from wear and tear on breaks and tires. 

 strategies, in particular, can help reduce driving by allowing people to live close to jobs, services and other destinations. 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 PM2.5 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 coexist, 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 co-benefits that meet community needs.

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

Strong Evidence

Tobacco Taxes

Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs

Sufficient Evidence

Wood Stove and Fireplace Reduction Measures

Climate

Promising

Construction Best Management Practices

Equity

Emerging

Other Stationary Source Reduction Measures

Lawn and Garden Equipment Exchange and Incentive Programs

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

Partner with communities to address air quality issues.

Community Engagement and Connection

Community Organizing

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

Truck Routes and Idling Restrictions

Zero or Near-Zero-Emission Vehicles

Cleaner Freight Systems

Retrofit Diesel Generators

Reduce tailpipe emissions and other particles released from wear and tear on breaks and tires by reducing car travel.

Pollution

Transit Service Expansion

Shared Transportation Systems

Transit Fix-It-First

Transportation Demand Management (TDM)

Discount Transit Pass Programs

Physical Activity

Active Transportation Infrastructure

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

Health

Weatherization Programs

Monitoring and Warning Systems

Site Planning

Reduce car travel and emissions by enabling people to live close to jobs, services and other destinations.

Policy Guide

Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

References