Residential proximity to major roadways, fine particulate matter, and adiposity: The framingham heart study

Objective Higher traffic-related air pollution has been associated with higher body mass index (BMI) among children. However, few studies have assessed the associations among adults. Methods Participants (N = 2,372) from the Framingham Offspring and Third Generation cohorts who underwent multidetector-computed tomography scans (2002–2005) were included. Residential-based proximity to the nearest major roadway and 1-year average levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution were estimated. BMI was measured at Offspring examination 7 (1998–2001) and Third Generation examination 1 (2002–2005); subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were measured using multidetector-computed tomography. Linear regression models were used for continuous BMI, SAT, and VAT and logistic models for the binary indicator of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), adjusting for demographic variables, individual- and area-level measures of socioeconomic position, and clinical and lifestyle factors. Results Participants who lived 60 m from a major roadway had 0.37 kg/m2 higher BMI (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.65 kg/m2), 78.4 cm3 higher SAT (95% CI: 4.5 to 152.3 cm3), and 41.8 cm3 higher VAT (95% CI: −4.7 to 88.2 cm3) than those who lived 440 m away. Conclusions Living closer to a major roadway was associated with higher overall and abdominal adiposity.