Factors influencing time-location patterns and their impact on estimates of exposure: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution (MESA Air)

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2016 Jun;26(4):341-8. doi: 10.1038/jes.2015.26. Epub 2015 Apr 29.

Abstract

We assessed time-location patterns and the role of individual- and residential-level characteristics on these patterns within the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air Pollution (MESA Air) cohort and also investigated the impact of individual-level time-location patterns on individual-level estimates of exposure to outdoor air pollution. Reported time-location patterns varied significantly by demographic factors such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, education, and employment status. On average, Chinese participants reported spending significantly more time indoors and less time outdoors and in transit than White, Black, or Hispanic participants. Using a tiered linear regression approach, we predicted time indoors at home and total time indoors. Our model, developed using forward-selection procedures, explained 43% of the variability in time spent indoors at home, and incorporated demographic, health, lifestyle, and built environment factors. Time-weighted air pollution predictions calculated using recommended time indoors from USEPA overestimated exposures as compared with predictions made with MESA Air participant-specific information. These data fill an important gap in the literature by describing the impact of individual and residential characteristics on time-location patterns and by demonstrating the impact of population-specific data on exposure estimates.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Air Pollutants
  • Air Pollution
  • Asian
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Black or African American
  • Cohort Studies
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data*
  • Ethnicity / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Geography
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time
  • United States
  • White People / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants

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