Examining personal air pollution exposure, intake, and Health Danger zone using time geography and 3D Geovisualization

Abstract

Expanding traditional time geography, this study examines personal exposure to air pollution and personal pollutant intake, and defines personal health danger zones by accounting for individual level space-Time behavior. A 3D personal air pollution and health risk map is constructed to visualize individual space-Time path, personal Air Quality Indexes (AQIs), and personal health danger zones. Personal air pollution exposure level and its variation through space and time is measured by a portable air pollutant sensor coupled with a portable GPS unit. Personal pollutant intake is estimated by accounting for air pollutant concentration in immediate surroundings, individual's biophysical characteristics, and individual's space-Time activities. Personal air pollution danger zones are defined by comparing personal pollutant intake with air quality standard; these zones are particular space-Time-Activity segments along an individual's space-Time path. Being able to identify personal air pollution danger zones can help plan for proper actions aiming at controlling health impacts from air pollution. As a case study, this paper reports on an examination and visualization of an individual's two-day ozone exposure, intake and danger zones in Houston, Texas.