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TheParramoreHeritageCommunityinOrlando,Florida
TheImpactofTraffic‐RelatedPollutiononAsthmaRates
AHealthImpactAssessment
September2014
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The Parramore Community:
The Impact of Traffic‐Related Pollution on Asthma Rates
BACKGROUND
The Health Council of East Central Florida (HCECF) conducted a health impact assessment (HIA) on one aspect of
the Parramore Heritage community in Orlando. The HIA was conducted in partnership with the University of
Central Florida (UCF) College of Public Administration, the City of Orlando and VHB Miller‐Sellen (VHB), a local
private sector planning and engineering firm. The project was overseen by the Health Impact Assessment Steering
Committee convened by the Winter Park Health Foundation, a local health funder.
The Parramore HIA provided valuable community health information for consideration in the planning and
visioning process being undertaken by the City of Orlando for the Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan
(Parramore Plan). The goal of the planning process was to develop community’s vision for the neighborhoods and
make recommendations for improving economic growth, jobs, community health, transportation options,
education, housing, and infill development.
UCF assisted by incorporating this HIA into the Planning Healthy Communities course in the Masters of Urban and
Regional Planning program during spring of 2014. The students in this class conducted an HIA to determine the
impact of traffic‐related pollution on the asthma rates of residents and provided recommendations based on HIA
theory. These recommendations were submitted to the City of Orlando in May 2014.
Special thanks and recognition:
Sarah Stack, HIA Researcher and author
Paul Lewis, AICP, Chief Planning Manager, City of Orlando
Jim Sellen, MSP, Principal, VHB
Curtis M Ostrodka, AICP, LEED AP, Senior Project Manager, VHB
Lisa Portelli, Adjunct Instructor, University of Central Florida
UCF Masters of Urban and Regional Planning students: Dylan Anderson, Michael Bell, Jeffrey Chamlis, Kathryn
Davis, Evan Futch, Michael Nocito, Sony Peronel, Michael Zeorlin
Health Impact Assessment Steering Committee Harry Barley, MetroPlan Orlando
Owen Beitsch, Real Estate Research Consultants
Mary‐Stewart Droege, City of Orlando
Mary Ann Feldheim, Ph.D., University of Central Florida
Therry Feroldi, Health Council
Tara M. McCue, AICP, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council
David Overfield, Orange County Health Department
Lisa Portelli, Winter Park Health Foundation
Susan Sadighi, Regional Florida Department of Transportation
Sarah Stack, HIA Researcher and author
Sandra Whitehead, Florida Department of Health
Mike Woods, Lake/Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization
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HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
What is a Health Impact Assessment?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is “a tool
which can be used to evaluate and assess the impacts a project, program, policy or plan may
have on the community’s health and provide recommendations to reduce negative impacts.”
HIAs help community members, policy makers and others to understand those aspects of a
community, for example, employment rates, impact of growth and existing built environment,
which may have an impact on the health and wellness of both the individual and community.
HIAs are also an important, organized way in which to gather both qualitative and quantitative
measurable data on the issues potentially impacting health. Below is a social‐ecological model
of health determinants and the layers of review that may be taken into consideration when
conducting an HIA.
The Health Impact Assessment Process
Most HIAs follow a methodical, five‐step process consisting of, at a minimum: screening,
scoping, assessment, recommendations and reporting. The five steps are described below:
1. Screening – the identification of plans, projects or policies for which an HIA may be a
useful tool for policy makers, planners and community members.
2. Scoping – the identification of which health factors/indicators to take under
consideration.
3. Assessment – the assessment of risks and benefits, and the identification of which
people may be affected and how they may be affected by a decision in their community,
for example.
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4. Recommendations – the development of recommendations to proposals which will help
to promote positive health effects or to minimize adverse health effects on a
population.
5. Reporting – the reporting of results to decision/policy makers and the community.
An additional 6th step, monitoring and evaluation, may be undertaken. During this step,
processes are put in place to determine the effect of the decision on the health and well‐being
of the residents.
BACKGROUND AND SCOPE OF THE PARRAMORE COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT
An HIA was conducted in the Parramore community to determine the impact of traffic‐related
pollution on the asthma rates of residents. The community is bordered by four major
roadways: Interstate‐4 (I‐4), the East/West Expressway (State Road 408), Orange Blossom Trail
(OBT) and Colonial Drive (State Road 50). The HIA was conducted in partnership with the
graduate students of the University of Central Florida’s Healthy Community Design course in
the Master’s Degree Planning Program. Graduate students were offered this hands‐on learning
experience during the 2014 Spring semester. While steps one and two (screening and scoping)
were conducted as a classroom exercise, each student was assigned factors and indicators to
research (step three), provide recommendations (step four) and present to the client, the East
Central Florida Health Planning Council (ECFHPC). The Parramore community HIA was
conducted in conjunction with a broader planning effort in the Parramore community by the
City of Orlando. This broader planning effort, the Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood
Plan, will “set the direction for creating a 21st Century Parramore neighborhood that is fully
integrated and connected into and supportive of SunRail and Downtown Orlando in an
environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable manner. The Parramore Plan will have a
30‐40 year time horizon,” according to the City’s Request for Proposal narrative. Key to the
City’s redevelopment efforts is assessing the right mix of land uses proposed for the community
given the alternative modes of transportation (SunRail and an expanded free shuttle service,
the Lymmo) that are programmed to service the community and downtown Orlando Central
Business District.
The scope of this HIA was to conduct an in‐depth literature review on the connection between
people, especially vulnerable populations such as those who are lower income, minorities, the
elderly and children, and the prevalence of traffic‐related asthma; to research code violations
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contributing to poor air quality; assess the quality of the housing stock; review policies for
pollution abatement along major roadways; conduct air quality assessments; determine asthma
rates in the community and broader population; and, offer recommendations on creating an
environment that contributes to the health and well‐being of the Parramore residents.
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I. LITERATURE REVIEW
Exposure to air pollution may cause serious adverse health effects with symptoms ranging from
respiratory illnesses that are non‐critical to cancer and even premature death. Exposure to air
pollution similarly does not affect every subpopulation. The groups at risk for reactions that are
more severe include those that have preexisting respiratory diseases like asthmatics or
emphysemas. Pregnant women, children and the elderly are also vulnerable populations to
consider. Traffic‐related air pollution is a major contributor to air quality that is unhealthy,
especially in urban areas with high traffic volume.
Within these urban areas, the main source of the local variability concerning air pollution levels
is traffic. The largest concentration and risk of exposure to air pollution occurs near major
roads. Emissions from motor vehicles represent the complex criteria of air pollutants including
nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter including hydrocarbons that react
with nitrogen oxides and sunlight leading to formation of ground‐level ozone. Individually, each
pollutant is a suspected or well‐known cause of adverse health effects.
Also, a mixture of traffic‐related pollutants can be difficult when measuring or modeling. For
this reason, several epidemiologic studies depend on a variety of traffic measures. Studies may
include proximity to major roads, traffic density that has accumulated within a buffer and traffic
density that is on the nearest road. These measures are substitutes of exposure and account for
traffic volume (e.g. number of vehicles per day). The measures are markers of concentration of
emissions from the vehicle and type of emission.
These measures also account for the distance that addresses air pollution gradients near the
road. Traffic emissions are greatest at a point of release and they typically reduce near
background levels which are within a range of 150 to 300 meters of a major roadway.
Within the U.S., minority and economically disadvantaged populations share a highly
disproportionate burden of contact with air pollution and risk. There is evidence demonstrating
that minorities and citizens with low socioeconomic status experience greater residential
exposure to traffic generated air pollution. This exposure is less for a population of non‐
minorities and greater socioeconomic status. Kebbede (2004) suggested that an increase in
traffic‐related air pollution can result in an increased risk of adverse health outcomes such as
asthma.
The percentage of a population exposed to air traffic‐related pollution is larger in urban areas
due to more roads, higher population density and higher traffic volume. Gurney (1998) stated
that demographic and social disparities exist in relation to residential proximity to main
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highway roads. Larger disparities are viewed more as indicators of the minority status including
race or ethnicity, language spoken at residential homes and nativity, than for indicators of
socioeconomic status like educational attainment and poverty.
Environmental justice literature provides evidence that a socially disadvantaged population
may experience a phenomenon referred to as triple tragedy. Gurney (1998) noted first,
minority and poorer groups suffer adverse health effects from behavioral and social
determinants of health like psychosocial stress, poor nutrition and inadequate access to
hospitals. Second, certain populations such as those who speak a language other than English at
home might be at a greater danger for exposure to air pollution due to residential proximity to
main highways. Third, there is an interaction between these two factors, which implies that
underprivileged groups undergo disproportionately greater negative health outcomes from air
pollution exposure.
Asthma is a chronic condition used when taking into account environmental justice and
inequality issues associated with adverse effects of health from traffic‐related pollution from
major highways. According to studies conducted by Gustavsson (2008), asthma is an
increasingly growing problem among the overall U.S population. Prevalence of asthma has
increased by 75% since 2004.
Motor Vehicle Pollution
The exhaust from a motor vehicle is a major source of air pollution. The most widely known
pollutants from a vehicle exhaust include sulfur and oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate
matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and unburned hydrocarbons from crankcase and fuel.
Gurney (1998) further noted that while the transformation and transport of these pollutants,
particularly in places where both human exposure and pollutant concentrations are elevated,
has gained much attention while minimal attention focuses on measuring the exposures and
pollutants near the heavily trafficked highways.
In reference to Gustavsson (2008), a variety of evidence today suggests that a steep gradient of
some pollutants exist near highways that are heavily travelled and that living around these
increased pollution zones may cause detrimental effects of health. It is thus important to note
that, heterogeneity of amounts and types of vehicles using highways may be significant. The
typical fleet of vehicles in America is comprised of sports utility vehicles, motorcycles, vans,
buses, trucks and passenger cars. The size and composition of this fleet on any given highway
can vary depending on day of week, use restrictions, and time of day for various classes of
vehicles. These are but a few factors that will influence amounts and kinds of pollutants from
tailpipe emissions.
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Recent interest has focused on investigating different compositions of substances in polluted
air while assessing toxicity. In reference to American Thoracic Society and American Lung
Association (1994), the mechanisms via which air pollution produces adverse health effects
related to asthma, involve a study that links air pollutants with methylation of a gene
associated with asthma. The asthma pathway is comprised of a variety of genes, coding for
proteins associated with asthmatic responses. Increased exposure to substances in polluted air
is greatly associated with the hypermethylation of Foxp3 locus, which is a regulatory T cell with
impaired function in people with asthma. Sulfate and black carbon particles are highly
associated with methylation of this gene in asthmatic patients.
Asthma and Major Highway Exposures
Asthma is a disorder that involves airflow limitation and variable airway inflammation in
response to a variety of triggers. Whereas most asthmatic children achieve better symptom
control with minimal doses of corticosteroids, some remain asymptomatic despite treatment
with larger doses of both inhaled and oral corticosteroids. These children with more severe
inhaled corticosteroid refractory asthma use a large proportion of healthcare related resources
and may end up suffering morbidity. Previous studies conducted by American Thoracic Society
and American Lung Association (1994) have found associations between development of the
asthma symptoms in preschoolers and infants and traffic‐related air pollutants. In addition,
school age children may develop asthma. Recent studies have shown an increase in respiratory
symptoms in children with asthma residing in a close proximity to major roads, associated with
amount of emissions from tailpipes of vehicles.
Under this group, a much higher risk occurs near major roads and diminishes to lower rates
with a range of 150 meters to 200 meters from main roads. According to studies conducted by
American Thoracic Society and American Lung Association (1994) greater risks of asthma in
association with long‐term housing within a distance of 75 meters from main roads adversely
affect children.
Moreover, according to National Research Council (1998), children highly endangered with
incident asthma associated with exercising in high‐ozone environments may not have any
parental history of the asthma. A relationship between traffic‐related exposures and asthma is
biologically plausible, since particulate matter has indicated eliciting of responses relevant to
pathogenesis of asthma for people living near major highways. Studies that monitor air
pollution on the scale orders of magnitudes not less than near highway gradients, have
discovered associations between prevalence of asthma and traffic generated pollution.
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A study in a Miami area measured NOX, PM2.5, and BC over several weeks near schools and
found both increased levels of pollution downwind from main roads and a linear relationship
between black carbon and asthma among long‐term residents. Homes of about 207 children
produced measurement results of nitrogen oxide as an odds ratio of 1.83 for outdoor nitrogen
oxide and the lifetime diagnosis of the asthma. In reference to Morel (2006), the study also
found similar association with a similar distance from a residence to freeway. This study
suggests that monitoring of air at residential homes increases a statistical power for detecting
asthma that is associated with highway exposures. Modeling of elemental carbon from traffic
near major roads, based on monitored ambient air of PM2.5 has emerged as an important
approach. Studies using this method have found an important association of traffic generated
pollution with infant wheezing. In addition, the modeled values are better predictors than
housing proximity to main roads.
Studies Conducted
Recent cohort and case‐control studies have found an increased risk associated with asthma
during exposure of traffic‐related pollutants to local residents. This study also indicated strong
associations regarding lifetime asthma with the residential air containing nitrogen oxide, which
is an indicator of variability of traffic associated pollutants. The measured nitrogen oxide was
then moderately correlated with the total traffic‐modeled pollution (i.e. R=0.59).
In this prospective study, children from a variety of Miami communities have significant
associations between measured outdoor exposure to NO2 and incident asthma. Krzyzanowski
and Kuna‐Dibbert (2005) stated that, this study analyses individually measured exposures to
pollutants to assess incidence asthma. Limited models controlling sex and age at the baseline
hazard show that, relative humidity, medical insurance and Hispanic ethnicity are confounders
in the models with NO2.
Krzyzanowski and Kuna‐Dibbert (2005) noted that, air pollution exposures account for the
larger portions of residual variance in community random effects than individual‐level variables
associated as confounders. The findings for residential NO2 are a sensitive inclusion of relative
humidity variable. In Jacksonville, NO2 is a specific causal agent but also it represents a mixture
of regional pollutants, traffic generated air pollution and photochemical products in the region.
New cohort studies have found association of asthma exposure to non‐freeway traffic models.
Residential distance to major roads is easier to estimate and compute from readily available
data than the traffic volume and meteorological data needed to model an exposure.
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According to Morris (1948), these results are consistent to various European studies, which
found an increased risk of asthma in children due to the high rate of traffic counts that are in
proximity to homes. A recent case study conducted by Geographical Information Systems
Software Company in Orlando found an association between childhood asthma and measured
traffic‐related pollutants near schools.
However, in other areas in this state, studies based on the records of Medicaid covered children
concluded that there was no association between traffic counts and asthma in a distance of 168
meters from their residences. Most of the inconsistencies of this literature are due to failure of
several cohorts on asthma to account for patterns of efficient modification by age, duration,
and parental history of housing proximity to major roads. Moreover, according to studies
conducted by Morris (1948), adverse health effects of traffic‐related pollutants in girls are
greater as observed in previous cohorts on asthma and its related symptoms.
Traffic Related Asthma in Florida
In the year 2012, approximately 20.5% of school students from public schools near major roads
had lifetime asthma. In addition, approximately 17% reported to have had an attack in the
previous year. This implies that in any given classroom of 24 students, an average of 4 students
have had a previous asthma attack.. Visits by the emergency department are key indicators of
the severity of asthma and poor control of the asthma. Pittman and Waite (2009) noted that,
among Florida residents of age between 5‐17 years, the rate of emergency department visits in
non‐Hispanic blacks is three times more compared to non‐Hispanic whites living next to major
roads. By age group, an estimated proportion of people living close to highways included
people of ethnic minority and racial communities, population speaking non‐English language
and foreign‐born people.
Disparities by poverty and educational attainment were minimal. The percentage of people
living near major roads varied from 3.4% for high school graduates to 4.1% for those without a
high school diploma. For poverty status, the approximated proportion of people living near
main roads was 4.2% for the poor category, a 3.7% for population in the near‐poor category
and finally 3.5% for non‐poor category. In reference to Morris (1948), an estimate of 4% of all
Americans live within 150 meters from a main roads, suggesting greater exposure to traffic
generated air pollution and increased risk for negative health effects associated with asthma.
This analysis suggests that demographic and social disparities exist according to the residential
proximity to major highways. The percentage of people exposed to traffic generated air
pollution may increase in urban areas due to more roads, higher population density and higher
traffic volume.
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Conclusion
Studies have concluded that residing in homes near high traffic volume will greatly increase the
chance of asthma within children. Children, whose parents do not have a history of asthma and
have had long‐term exposure, can leave girls more at risk than their counterpart. Furthermore,
effective control regulations of vehicular emissions are needed and will prove to be of great
importance. Fifty‐nine percent of children with asthma, whose parents have no asthmatic
history, are a result of living within 75 meters or less to a major road. Therefore, further
investigation and research is required to determine and understand why the susceptibility to
traffic‐related exposure increased in children with non‐asthmatic parents.
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II. THE PARRAMORE COMMUNITY
Established in the 1880s, the Parramore community is home to the City of Orlando’s oldest
concentrated African American population. Parramore is a community of approximately 1.3
square miles and is comprised of three neighborhoods – Callahan, Lake Dot and Holden
Heights/Parramore. While these three neighborhoods are separate and distinct in character,
they are often considered one neighborhood under the “Parramore” moniker. Its boundaries
are traditionally defined as State Road 50 (Colonial Drive) to the north, West Gore Street to the
south, Interstate 4 (I‐4) to the east and Orange Blossom Trail (OBT) to the west. Parramore
Avenue is the main road through the heart of the community. The predominant land use in the
Parramore community is residential, including public housing, but also includes government
facilities such as the U.S. Courthouse for Mid‐District Florida, the Florida A&M Law School, the
Amway Center (home to the Orlando Magic NBA franchise), neighborhood commercial,
business commercial mainly along Orange Blossom Trail and industrial properties.
Approximately 4,055 people reside in the Parramore community. The number of residents who
are children, ages birth to eighteen, is 2,066. Parramore has a median annual household
income level of $13,613 and a child poverty rate of 73%.
Parramore, once a thriving middle class neighborhood, has steadily declined over the years.
Today, a deficiency of quality housing, low home ownership rates, crime (or a perception of
crime), code enforcement violations due to poor property maintenance, low education/high
school graduation rates and lack of employment options available to the residents all plaque
the Parramore community. Many homes are dilapidated and uninhabitable, and vacant lots are
overgrown. In addition, the land uses are mixed in a fashion that does not always separate
commercial and industrial uses from residential uses. These factors have led to a decline in
population for the community and a direction away from the creation of a healthy community
which provides opportunities for residents to make an investment in the health and wellness of
not only their homes and neighborhoods but themselves as well.
The City of Orlando has invested in the revitalization of the Parramore community, and Mayor
Buddy Dyer has made it a priority for his tenure in office. Several new initiatives that could
benefit the community include expanded public transportation through the free LYMMO
system, the new SunRail commuter rail system which will connect residents to work and other
opportunities from Seminole County to Osceola County, and the master planned mixed use
“Creative Village” which is designed to engage higher education institutions and technology
businesses to locate in the community (in part on the site of the former Amway Arena). The
community is also undergoing a community visioning and planning process as part of a larger
planning and analysis effort around SunRail.
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As noted above, the community is bounded by major, highly trafficked roadways – Interstate 4,
State Road 50 and Orange Blossom Trail. While the technical boundary to the south is West
Gore Street, the East‐West Expressway (FL‐408) is within close proximity to West Gore Street.
Below in Table 1 is a breakdown of the population and number of households that are within
proximity to major roadways.
TABLE I: POPULATION BREAKDOWN BY PROXIMITY TO MAJOR ROADWAYS
Population Households Boundaries
North East South West
1174 490 Church Street I‐4 FL‐408 Lee Avenue
875 383 Colonial Drive I‐4 Washington
Ave
Parramore
Ave
1014 373 FL‐408 Parramore
Ave
Gore Street OBT
886 350 Church Street Lee Avenue FL‐408 OBT
724 272 Colonial Drive Parramore
Ave.
Livingston
Street
OBT
651 265 FL‐408 I‐4 Gore Street Parramore
Ave
1063 260 Washington
Ave
I‐4 Church Street Parramore
Ave
590 231 Robinson
Street
Parramore
Ave
Washington
Ave
OBT
443 170 Livingston
Street
Parramore
Ave
Robinson
Street
OBT
369 100 Washington
Ave
Parramore
Ave
Church Street OBT
7789 2894
Traffic counts are an important measure to understand how many vehicles, and therefore the
amount of potential emissions, that may be affecting residents living within proximity to these
major roadways. Below in Table 2 are traffic counts broken down by segments of roadways
located within or bounding the Parramore community.
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TABLE 2: TRAFFIC COUNTS BY ROADWAY SEGMENTS
Segment Daily Traffic Count
I‐4 from Colonial Drive to the FL‐408 158,000
FL‐408 at I‐4 110,000
FL‐408 from I‐4 to OBT 67,500
Colonial Drive from Westmoreland Ave to I‐4 36,500
Colonial Drive from OBT to Westmoreland 31,500
OBT from Washington Ave to FL‐408 32,500
OBT from Colonial Drive to Washington Ave 21,500
Source: http://maps.ocpafl.org/webmap/default.aspx
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III. AIR QUALITY ALONG MAJOR ROADWAYS
It is well known that trees provide a good filter for many toxins in the air. Along major
roadways, such as I‐4, trees are often planted to reduce the negative impacts of vehicle
emissions and noise as well as for aesthetics. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
current does not require a specific quantity of trees to be planted and maintained on their
highways systems nor a rate of trees per stretch of road, however, according to the 2013
Florida Statute 334.044 (26), a minimum of 1.5% of the funds for any new construction project
budget must be devoted towards the purchase of plant materials to “provide for the
enhancement of environmental benefits, including air and water quality”. In fact, at least of
50% of the funds devoted to landscaping must be for “large plant materials” such as trees.
For the most part, trees are used by FDOT as a means of beautifying the highway system and
the safety and visibility of the vehicle motorist is the utmost priority. It is important to note
that all trees and palms along FDOT highways must be of grade Florida Number 1 or better as
seen in the Florida Agriculture “Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants, Part I and II”
pamphlet. FDOT requires that no more than 50% of the driver’s view of a passenger vehicle is
obstructed trees and other plants, and that trees should be spaced such that the driver can see
a minimum of 66.6% of parked passenger vehicle. Trees that are obstructing the “cite datum
line” should be pruned or have their branches lifted to accommodate for drivers. When
“continuous ground cover is implemented,” FDOT suggests that trees are placed no further
than 6 meters on center (It is also necessary to be aware of spacing for root development).
Groupings of trees should be spread between 30 and 60 meters apart on the side of highways
so that they do not distract drivers at high speeds. Trees to be should be at least 1.5 meters on
center behind guardrails, but only 1.2 meters behind other protective highway walls.
I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI.
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FDOT does acknowledge that trees can provide for a reduction in traffic noise, act as a buffer
zone between highways and residential areas (i.e. Low growing, dense‐canopied evergreen
trees, such as hollies or wax myrtle) and allow pedestrians to feel comfortable alongside
expressways. In designing urban streets, FDOT suggests that tree limb clearance above
sidewalks to be at least 3 meters. Furthermore, the diameter of the trunk of a tree that is 150
mm above the ground should be no greater than 100mm thick (FDOT Landscaping Guide,
2012).
There are many benefits to having public trees including energy savings, air pollution reduction,
mitigation of storm runoff and positive gains in housing value. For instance, street trees in
Portland, Oregon increased the average sales price of a home by $7,020 in 2008. For the
purpose of this HIA, the focus is the beneficial relationship between trees and air quality, since
poor air quality has been linked to issues with asthma. Poor air quality has been shown to
increase medical care costs, increase absenteeism from work and school and to shorten
lifespans. In 2009 the average annual cost of caring for a child with asthma was $1039 and
there were 479,300 hospitalizations, 1.9 million emergency room visits and 8.9 million visits to
the doctor because of asthma. In 2008, children missed approximately 10.5 million school days
and adults missed 14.2 million work days because of asthma (NCEH, 2012). The Parramore
community is surrounded by fast roads and vehicles that are constantly emitting pollutants into
the environment, which could be a reason why it is an area of high asthma prevalence. In 2012
a study conducted by Brown, et al. found that children with asthma who live within 417 meters
of a major roadway were at greater risk of having wheezing episodes. Research by McConnell,
et al. 2010, indicated that kids who were exposed to high levels of traffic‐related pollution (TRP)
were more likely to develop asthma. It was found that TRP was greater at home when
compared to schools and that the risk of new‐onset asthma was greater from non‐freeway TRP
than that of freeway TRP. Levels of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and small particulate
matter (PM10/PM2.5) were measured regularly at several sites throughout each community. It
is also important to note that researchers chose neighborhoods within 150 meters of a highway
or major road for the study. Please refer to Tables 3 and 4 below.
TABLE 3: ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEW‐ONSET AND MODELED EXPOSURE AT HOME AND SCHOOL
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TABLE 4: ASSOCIATION OF NEW‐ONSET ASTHMA WITH COMMUNITY CENTRAL SITE POLLUTANT MEASUREMENTS
Source: McConnell, 2010
According to Peper, et al. (2010) the average annual net benefits of per tree were calculated as:
$1 for a small public tree, $32 for a medium public tree, $96 for a large public tree and $7 for a
public conifer tree. The net benefits over 40 years were summed to be $23, $1266, $3859 and
$296 respectively for each species of tree noted above. It is estimated that planting and
maintenance costs will be exceeded by the average annual benefits of a public tree after about
twenty years. While benefits such as “rainfall interception” and “other benefits,” are not the
focus of this paper, they still serve as notable incentives for municipalities to plant more urban
trees. Reducing electricity and natural gas use costs and mitigating pollutants such as O3, NO2,
PM10, carbon dioxide (CO2) sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) were cited as the main benefits of the trees in
this study. In 2009 a study by Peper et al., it was found that the approximately 68,211 trees in
City of Orlando decreased electricity use for air conditioning by 1369 megawatts‐hour and
saved city about $445,451 annually. Please refer to Table 5 below.
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TABLE 5: ESTIMATED ANNUAL BENEFITS AND COSTS FOR A PUBLIC TREE 20 YEARS AFTER PLANTING
(Source: Peper et al., 2010).
The authors also cited several notable studies on the air quality impact of trees including
studies in Arizona, California, the City of Chicago as well as the City of Tampa. An Arizona
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project reduced 1 ton of atmospheric CO2 for every $18 that was spent on planting trees. In
Davis, California trees shading a parking lot were able to decrease air temperatures one to
three degrees. This cooling effect on the asphalt helps to prevent gas from leaking from the fuel
tanks of parked cars which could evaporate and turn into smog. A study conducted in two
Chicago neighborhoods showed that the tree canopy cover had a net annual carbon
sequestration of 0.096 pounds per square foot. In another study it was estimated that the City
of Tampa’s 7.8 million urban trees removed 46,525 tons of carbon from the atmosphere in
2007 (Peper et al., 2010). The chart below was extracted from a paper by Nowak et al., (2006)
which measured improvements in air quality due to urban trees in several U.S. cities.
The report by the USDA (2009) entitled “Municipal Forest Resource Analysis” included several
tree species in the Orlando area that were not included in the 2010 report by Peper et al. The
two charts below show all of the trees that were analyzed in 2009. Table 6 below summarizes
the benefits produced by street trees and Table 7 highlights air quality improvement by street
trees in select cities.
TABLE 6: CO2 REDUCTIONS, RELEASES, AND NET BENEFITS PRODUCED BY STREET TREES
Source: USDA, 2009
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TABLE 7: ESTIMATED PERCENT AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN SELECTED CITIES DUE TO AIR POLUTION REMOVAL BY URBAN TRESS
Source: USDA, 2009
The costs that are most associated with trees include maintenance repairs, planting, pruning,
removal, irrigation, and insurance. From a survey of local municipalities it was found that the
average amount of money spent per tree annually ranged from $22 to $31. Pruning was the
most significant cost, ranging from $7 to $11 annually per tree while removing and disposing of
trees averaged $5 and other administration fees averaged $3 per tree annually. In 2009
Orlando spent approximately $15 per tree just to cover the sidewalk, curb and sewer repairs
that resulted from tree growth. Please refer to Table 8 below for the City of Orlando’s annual
tree expenditures.
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TABLE 8: ORLANDO’S ANNUAL MUNICIPAL FORESTRY‐RELATED EXPEDITURES FOR STREET TREES
Source: Peper et al., 2010
Currently there is no inventory on the number of trees in vicinity of the Parramore
Neighborhood, however in the Northwest zone of the City of Orlando (see map below) there
was approximately 15,662 trees in 2009. Live oak trees made up the largest portion of trees at
21.5% and common crape myrtle, laurel oak, cabbage palmetto and Chinese elm rounded out
the top five species.
22
Source: USDA, 2009
Conclusion
According to the USDA research report for every dollar spent on tree maintenance, the
municipality and its citizens would accrue $1.87 in benefits. Quantitative analysis showed that
the most valuable benefit of trees is their ability to capture O3, with an average reduction of
1.99lb from the air each year which amounts to community savings estimated at $4.37
annually. As seen in the Table 9 below, public trees provide several other significant benefits to
citizens in addition to air quality. The City of Orlando and partners should continue to plant
trees in the Parramore Neighborhood, especially in areas where citizens would benefit from a
buffer between their homes and the frequent emissions and noise from the traffic that entrap
their community. The authors of the “Municipal Forest Resource Analysis” that was conducted
in Orlando found that only about 60% of the city’s trees made it to their full maturity.
Approximately 90% of the tree population needed some form of pruning at the time of this
study, and more than 10% of Orlando’s trees were deemed hazardous to citizens and/or at risk
to damage property. They cited poor tree species selection, low precipitation and poor
irrigation and soil quality as possible explanations for Orlando’s tree mortality rate (USDA,
2009). Please refer to Table 9 below for a benefit‐cost summary analysis.
23
TABLE 9: BENEFIT COST SUMMARY FOR ALL TREES
IV. THE AIR QUALITY AND HOUSING CONNECTION
The quality of housing stock is a vital part of the health of any community. This is in large part
because a majority of people spend most of their time in their home, and will be heavily
exposed to any form of indoor hazard present where they live. There are a number of possible
sources of indoor air pollution that need to be considered. These fall into the two general
categories of non‐biological hazards and biological hazards. The non‐biological types of hazards
are generally related to things introduced into homes such as off gassing chemicals like
formaldehyde or smoking, while biological hazards are most often related to mold or pests.
Most of the issues related to biological hazards are caused by the quality of housing and issues
like cracks and leaks in structures that allow pests and water in, and also the age of local
dwellings and the materials used in their construction. Older homes are the most prone to have
both unfixed maintenance issues, and are also more likely to contain dangerous old materials
like lead paint. In order to properly assess the housing situation in a community it is helpful to
review recent scientific literature on subjects related to housing. With the literature review
24
information in mind one can better assess the local housing stock and the possible impact of
housing quality on members of the local community.
The literature reviewed on subjects related to indoor air quality shows an increasingly firm
connection between indoor biological contaminants and increased risk for health problems. For
instance in a 2012 report Keall et al. used a respiratory hazard index to measure exposure to a
number of sources of possible biological home hazards like mold as well as types of gas heaters
that could cause non‐biological air pollutants. After examining 891 residences the Keall et al.
(2012) report not only reaffirmed the link between poor housing conditions and problems like
wheezing, but it found that the number of total people suffering respiratory problems could be
reduced by a third if poor housing conditions could be eliminated. The Keall et al. report also
found that children under age 7 were especially susceptible to increased respiratory problems
caused by indoor air hazards. This is in line with the literature review that J. Wilson et al.
performed in 2010 on nine separate reports covering the subject in indoor allergens. The report
by J. Wilson et al. (2010) looked at allergens which can trigger asthma attacks by comparing
information gathered from across the US and finding common connections in homes where
allergens were at a clinically significant level. The most significant findings related to housing
quality were that high levels of cockroach allergens were associated with cracks or holes in
walls and water leaks, while high levels of dust mite allergens were associated with mold or
odors in homes, and older housing built before 1951. In addition to the asthma and allergen
implications of poor housing and water damage, there is also increasing evidence of direct
harm caused by damp and moldy conditions.
Over a decade ago Harriet M. Ammann (2003) discussed the possible connections between
compounds released by molds and impacts on human health. As a defensive mechanism
against bacteria and other competing organisms molds release mycotoxins, some of which
were known to cause food poisoning and were theorized to have other negative health
impacts. Following calls for investigation a number of results surrounding this subject have
been found. A study by Taubel et al. (2011) cites previous findings about high moisture
buildings being linked to a number of illnesses from coughs to generating new asthma cases.
The study by Taubel et al. used the information on the dangers of moist buildings and data
about mycotoxins generated by mold as a reason to test for bacterial toxins that were also
thought to be harmful. The testing indicated that there are a large number of types of
potentially dangerous toxins generated by bacteria and mold which accumulate in wet buildings
and could be inhaled in dust inside such structures. These findings help to put some numerical
data about the amount of toxins in damp buildings. Such information helps to quantify earlier
studies such as the one by Thrasher and Crawley (2009) which also found many types of
potentially dangerous chemicals generated by microorganisms. The 2009 study also indicated
25
that it was likely that different combinations of the toxins were creating various types of
inflammation and could have neurological effects in addition to potentially harmful respiratory
impacts. These studies reaffirm the link between housing quality and community health, and
they also show the need to ensure that both renters and homeowners have tools to help them
improve the quality of their housing.
While biological sources of housing problems are critical to consider, there are also other major
sources of potential health issues. In an examination of possible indoor air pollutants Logue et
al. (2012) found the most harmful sources of non‐biological indoor air pollution. The study
looked at the health impacts of seventy different chemicals, and found that the highest impacts
were caused by the chemical formaldehyde and acrolein, which are often released into the
house as off gassed byproducts, fine particulate of no more than 2.5 micrometers known as
PM2.5, the intrusion of radon gas into homes, and second hand smoke or SHS. Most issues with
formaldehyde and acrolein are related to either off gas from new wood furniture or second
hand smoke, although cooking without proper ventilation can also release acrolein. Using
available data the study estimated the impact of the pollutants by estimating the number of
Disability Adjusted Life Years, or DALYs, lost per 100,000 people due to exposure to the various
chemicals examined. The study used three different approaches to calculate the impacts of the
chemicals and created the chart below showing the range of likely impacts inside brackets that
indicate a 95% confidence interval.
Taken together the studies about indoor air quality indicate that mold and other moisture
related biological contaminants are an area of increasing concern, as they have been for some
26
time now. In addition recent studies have confirmed the possible dangers of increased allergen
and other pest related issues in residences that have cracks, holes, and similar maintenance
issues. In the category of non‐biological in‐door air pollutants second hand smoke has been
further confirmed as a major problem, while the off gas related compounds acrolein and
formaldehyde have also been identified as major problems across the US. A major portion of
the possible indoor emissions sources of these three compounds are related to personal
decisions and habits like the purchase of certain types of new wooden furniture and the
decision to smoke; however, encouraging properly ventilated cooking areas could help reduce
problems with acrolein. On the other hand many of the possible biological sources of indoor air
pollution can be effectively mitigated with code enforcement action. The danger is likely to be
greatest for renters who are for any reason unable to make their own repairs. Proper code
enforcement can both put an end to existing indoor air issues, and deter land lords from letting
their properties deteriorate to the point where health concerns arise. The city could also help
improve the health of citizens by reviewing its policies on housing rehabilitation and
weatherization, which could both help to improve indoor air quality. Making efforts to ensure
the effectiveness of current housing rehabilitation programs for renters and owners, as well as
efforts to ensure awareness of such programs in low income areas like Parramore could help
improve problems with housing quality.
V. CODE ENFORCEMENT IN THE PARRAMORE COMMUNITY
A review of existing data in Parramore, where economic issues might help induce a greater
proportion of housing quality problems, was conducted via a random sample. In order to better
assess possible issues, a total of 274 properties were checked for code enforcement action in
12 sections of Parramore, and there were a total of 54 properties with 125 code enforcement
actions against them. Determined by a review of the existing code violation criteria, violations
expected to impact indoor air quality and health, and were assessed, included:
Ventilation
Foundation and Exterior
Roofs
Sound Structure
Windows and Doors
Minimum Dwelling Space Requirements
Sanitation and Cleanliness
27
Within the random sample, the most common violations in Parramore included:
Windows and Doors
Rotting, New Hardware, Termite Damage, Worn Weather‐Stripping
Boarded Windows, Peeling Paint, Glass Cracked or Missing, Missing or Ripped Screens
Foundation and Exterior
Holes in floors, walls and ceilings, peeling paint, leaks
Roofs
Leaks, disrepair to soffits and eaves
Plumbing and Electrical
Broken outlets, switches and globes
Of those with code actions, just over 59% had likely health issues at one time or another. The
main health risks checked for were pest infestation, cracks and holes in walls or windows that
could let in pests, and various forms of ongoing dampness, and roof damage or similar
situations that could allow moisture and mold to become an issue. About 11.7% of the total
units proposed for a check had code enforcement actions related to possible health issues,
while 19.7% had any form of code enforcement action taken against them.
The 11.7% rate of problems seems to indicate a relatively common problem; however, this rate
is derived using a semi‐random spot check process that is meant to look for issues rather than
create a statistically valid sample of data. If a more comprehensive form of health impact
assessment is done in the area in the future it could be very useful to attempt to get a
statistically valid random sample of data on local homes. A better sample of data would allow a
fuller understanding of the depth of the health problems related to poor housing conditions. It
might also be possible to assess all the homes in Parramore for issues with a different code
enforcement checking system. Another useful step in a fuller assessment would be to try and
establish a baseline for the average age of problems in other neighborhoods in order to judge
the magnitude of housing quality issues in Parramore. This would allow questions about the
relative likelihood of housing quality issues to be answered, such as how much more likely is a
resident of Parramore to have housing quality issues when compared to Orlando as a whole?
The most definitive outcome that can be derived from the data collected on housing quality is
that there are problems with housing quality and maintenance in Parramore, and some of
these issues could put residents at a higher risk for health problems. Studies have shown the
increased health risks associated with both pest infestations and damp conditions that can
induce mold. These conditions exist in Parramore and could put residents at risk. While a large
number of the residences had only a single code violation incident, there were also a number of
28
residences with 2 or more violations. In fact the average residence with a code violation had 2.3
reports filed against it. The three worst residences had 7‐ 10 separate code violation reports
filed against them. If such residences are occupied, then those inside such buildings are likely to
be at a heightened risk for health issues. Any neglected residence could eventually pose a
health threat to inhabitants, and the fact that the majority of residences with code
enforcement action had problems that could lead to health issues underlines this point. The
following GIS map shows the residences chosen for evaluation in white, while those with
confirmed code actions that aren't related to indoor health are yellow and code action that are
related to possible health issues are in red.
Problems with old housing can easily impact the health of people anywhere in the nation, but
those in lower income areas like Parramore are at a higher risk due to financial constraints.
Fortunately there are proactive measures that can be taken, such as reviewing and looking for
possible improvements to the housing rehabilitation programs that already exist. When
combined with proper code enforcement such rehabilitation programs can help prevent the
kinds of mold and pest problems that scientific studies have proven to be a threat to public
health. The city could also look for ways to increase the visibility of housing quality and indoor
air quality issues in neighborhoods like Parramore, which are at a higher risk. Efforts at public
awareness, enforcement, and rehabilitation of housing quality issues can help prevent costly
medical bills and improve the quality of life for citizens.
29
VII.
30
VI. CHOICE HOUSING VOUCHER PROGRAM
The Parramore area has a significant number of low income residents who would benefit from
the Choice Voucher Program. During a recent workshop conducted at Callahan Neighborhood
Center, some residents expressed their concern regarding the crime levels as well as the lack of
a community structure that encompasses providers of healthy foods, education, employment,
quality housing and in general a healthy community. Those same needs led to the creation of
The US Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Choice Voucher Program formerly known as
section 8 (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2014). The primary goal of
such a program was and continues to be to decongest densely populated and unmaintained
housing units and city areas, by empowering the residents to relocate to areas of their choice
where those needs were more efficiently met (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, 2014).
The analysis of the forty five housing units located under zip code 32805 revealed that 31% (14
rental units) of them are residing within the Parramore area and are current recipients of the
Choice Voucher Program. The findings were consistent with the participation of the residents
who attended a community engagement workshop in the spring of 2014 as part of a
revitalization effort and actively voiced their insights about the redevelopment project.
It is important to recognize the positive impact of these rental units in the community,
especially because they are generally located in areas where the general housing units are
substandard and suffering from evident and reported code violations. The main contribution of
these units is the security and safety they provide to their residents based on the rigorous
inspection process they undergo to qualify as part of the program. Moreover, the Choice
Voucher Program increases the quality of rental housing stock by reducing harm to the
recipients who may suffer from respiratory illnesses such as asthma. The process involves
three inspections: 1. pre‐housing inspection, 2. annual inspection, and 3. complaint inspections
or quality control inspections. There are thirteen key aspects of housing quality covered by
performance requirements and acceptability criteria in the housing quality standards of the
Choice Voucher program (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2014).
VIII.
• Sanitary facilities • Food preparation and refuse
disposal • Space and security • Thermal environment • Illumination and electricity • Structure and materials
• Interior air quality • Water supply • Lead‐based paint • Access • Site and neighborhood • Sanitary condition • Smoke detectors
31
Sanitary facilities
Food preparation and refuse
disposal
Space and security
Thermal environment
Illumination and electricity
Structure and materials
32
VII. AIR QUALITY TESTING AND RESULTS
The Florida Department of Health, Environmental Health Department, collected outdoor air
samples during off‐peak (approximately 3 p.m.) and peak times (7:45 – 8:15 a.m.) at three key
points within the Parramore community. These points were located at the Callahan
Neighborhood Center (center of the community), the Griffin Park Housing Development
(adjacent to Interstate‐4) and at the intersection of Orange Blossom Trial and Colonial Drive
(two major roadways for commercial and non‐commercial traffic). The samples of air were
tested for temperature, Relative Humidity, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Volatile Organic
Compounds and Particulate Matter. As there are no established thresholds for outdoor air
quality, maximum and minimum levels for indoor air quality have been included for reference
and comparison.
Humidity and Temperature
The following chart shows the results of the relative humidity readings in the air compared to
the recommended levels for indoor air quality.
Off Peak Hours:
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Griffin Col/OBT Callhan
RH %
Max. Recom. RH%
Min. Recom. RH%
33
Peak Hours:
The next chart shows the temperature readings. Except for extreme cases of hot or cold, the
temperature is looked from the perspective of comfort. It is known that most people are
comfortable in environments where the temperature is between 68‐76 0F. As you can see in
the in the next chart, the recorded temperature was in the recommended range during the
assessment.
Off Peak Hours:
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Griffin Col/OBT Callhan
RH %
Max. Recom. RH%
Min. Recom. RH%
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
Griffin Col/OBT Callahan
Temperature
Max. Recom.
Min. Recom.
34
Peak Hours:
Particle Matter
Particulate matter includes dust, smoke, pollen, animal dander, tobacco smoke, particles
generated from combustion appliances such as cooking stoves, and particles associated with
tiny organisms such as dust mites, molds, bacteria, and viruses. Particle size is directly linked to
their potential for causing health problems.
TABLE 10: OFF PEAK HOURS PARTICLE COUNTY
Air Quality Index
(AQI)
*See chart below for interpretations G
riffin
Park
Colonial/
OBT
Callahan
Particle
Count
2.5 27 21 25
10.0 47 35 45
TABLE 11: PEAK HOURS PARTICLE COUNTY
Air Quality Index
(AQI)
*See chart below for interpretations
Griffin
Park
Colonial/
OBT
Callahan
Particle
Count
2.5 36 47 32
10.0 51 55 47
*These results do not represent the average concentration, just the readings at the time of the
assessment. Some activities like mowing the grass, construction or being close to highways or roads with
heavy traffic can affect these readings.
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
Griffin Col/OBT Callahan
Temperature
Max. Recom.
Min. Recom.
35
The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) is concerned about particles that are
10 micrometers (μm) in diameter or
smaller. Those are the particles that
generally pass through the throat and nose
and enter the lungs. The following picture
illustrates the size of a particle 10 μm or
smaller compared to the diameter of a
human hair.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. At low concentrations, healthy people
may experience fatigue. Chest pain could be one of the symptoms in people with heart disease.
At higher concentrations, you may have impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness;
confusion; nausea. It can cause flu‐like symptoms that clear up after going to the outside and it
could be fatal at very high concentrations.
The U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards for outdoor air are 9 ppm for 8 hours, and 35
ppm for 1 hour. These standards were set to protect public health, including the health of
"sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.
36
Off Peak Hours:
Peak Hours:
The readings of CO obtained during inspection are used to calculate the Air Quality Index using
the formula and categories established by the EPA. The results are showed in the following
table for off peak hours.
TABLE 12: OFF PEAK HOURS CARBON MONOXIDE READINGS
Air Quality Index
(AQI)
Griffin Park
Colonial/OBT
Callahan
Carbon Monoxide
(CO) ppm
27 22 27
0
2
4
6
8
10
Griffin Col/OBT Callahan
CO (ppm)
CO Max. (ppm)
0
2
4
6
8
10
Griffin Col/OBT Callahan
CO (ppm)
CO Max. (ppm)
37
TABLE 13: PEAK HOURS CARBON MONOXIDE READINGS
Air Quality Index
(AQI)
Griffin Park
Colonial/OBT
Callahan
Carbon Monoxide
(CO) ppm
26 36 23
*These results do not represent the average concentration, just the readings at the time of the assessment. Some activities like
mowing the grass, construction or been close to highways or roads with heavy traffic can affect these readings.
Please use the following chart to assess the meaning of the AQI chart numbers:
Air Quality Index (AQI)
Levels of Health Concern
Numerical
Value
Meaning
Good 0 ‐ 50 Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses
little or no risk
Moderate 51 – 100 Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there
may be a moderate health concern for a very small number
of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution
Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups
101 – 150 Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.
The general public is not likely to be affected.
Unhealthy 151 ‐ 200 Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members
of sensitive groups may experience more serious health
effects.
Very Unhealthy 201 ‐ 300 Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health
effects.
Hazardous 301 ‐ 500 Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire
population is more likely to be affected
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)
Even though no standards have been set for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) in non‐
industrial settings neither, OSHA, HUD and other government agencies have established
standards for specific contaminants.
38
VOC’s are usually chemicals added to the air that can cause chronic and acute health effects like
irritation in eyes and respiratory system, headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and cancer. They
are usually founded in some cleaners, paints, solvents, glues, photocopiers, pesticides, gasoline
vapors, cigarette smoke, cosmetics, construction materials and other household products.
Air freshener use and other fragrant products should be minimally used in the home to reduce
the amount of triggers in the home.
Off Peak Hours:
Peak Hours:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) level is an indicator of an adequate ventilation. Carbon Dioxide is a
product of our breathing process and it may accumulate in the indoor space. The Air
Conditioning System must be capable to dilute this contaminant with enough fresh air and
maintain Carbon Dioxide levels < 1000 ppm (parts per million).
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the testing areas was within the acceptable limits
(<1,000ppm). When CO2 is over 1,000ppm the air feels heavy and many people experience
breathing difficulties.
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
Griffin Col/OBT Callahan
VOC
2.5
3
Griffin Col/OBT Callahan
VOC
39
Off Peak:
Peak Hours:
Data Summary Tables
TABLE 14: OFF PEAK HOURS SUMMARY TABLE
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
Griffin Col/OBT Callahan
CO2 (ppm)
CO2 Max. (ppm)
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
Griffin Col/OBT Callahan
CO2 (ppm)
CO2 Max. (ppm)
Griffin Park
Colonial /
OBT
Callahan
Temperature oF (680–760) 69.7 69.3 69.6
Relative Humidity % (30‐60%) 56.1 54.0 55.7
CO (ppm) (<9ppm) 2.4 1.9 2.4
CO2 (ppm) (<1,000ppm) 370 346 362
Total VOC (ppm) 2.4 1.8 1.3
40
TABLE 15: OFF PEAK PARTICLE MATTER COUNT
Particulate Matter
Data
Griffin
Park
Colonial/
OBT
Callahan
Particle
Count
2.5 6.51 5.18 5.97
10.0 51.02 38.33 49.56
TABLE 16: PEAK HOURS SUMMARY TABLE
TABLE 17: PEAK HOURS PARTICLE MATTER COUNTY
Particulate Matter
Data
Griffin
Park
Colonial/
OBT
Callahan
Particle
Count
2.5 8.77 11.27 7.66
10.0 55.52 63.59 51.39
While the off peak and peak hour air quality testing results did not show elevated levels of
pollutants that could lead to a trigger for asthma, further air quality testing should be
conducted at additional points during the year. Thermal changes of air temperature, wind
speeds, time of day, and day of week all correlate to the level of pollutants in the air. In fact,
research has demonstrated that a 10% decrease in air quality was identified in relation to
changes in air temperature, wind speeds, time of day, and what day of the week the test was
conducted on. Additionally, major urban thoroughfares with stop‐and‐go traffic were studied
and air quality testing conducted over a period of 12 months. Results showed that elevated
Griffin Park
Colonial /
OBT
Callahan
Temperature oF (680–760) 71.1 66.2 67.2
Relative Humidity % (30‐60%) 63.7 70.8 67.9
CO (ppm) (<9ppm) 2.3 3.2 2.0
CO2 (ppm) (<1,000ppm) 393 467 380
Total VOC (ppm) 2.3 3.3 2.7
41
exposure to ambient black carbon (soot) is associated with increasing traffic volume and is
further augmented on workdays during conditions of low mixing height, little or no wind speed,
and elevated humidity.
VIII. ASTHMA RATES IN ORANGE COUNTY AND THE PARRAMORE COMMUNITY
Currently there is no data specific to asthma rates with the Parramore community, largely
identified as the 32805 zip code. Zip code specific data would require a community‐level health
needs assessment, and to‐date that has not been undertaken for this particular zip code. Data
does exist on the county‐ level however. According to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey
conducted in 2012, the teen asthma rate for Orange County as a whole was 20.1%. Adults in
Orange County with asthma accounted for 8.6% in 2010 according to the Florida Behavioral Risk
Factor Surveillance System. In 2011, the Medicare population (seniors ages 65 and older) had
an asthma rate of 5.4% according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
In addition to county‐ level data, diagnosis codes were attained through the Health Council of
East Central Florida specific to asthma‐related hospitalizations. The chart below details the
2012 hospitalization discharges for bronchitis and asthma in the 32805 zip code per
surrounding hospitals. This chart does not account for those children who presented at the
emergency room or at their doctor’s office but were not admitted to the hospital.
Asthma Rates: 2012 Hospitalization Discharges for Bronchitis & Asthma in 32805
While there is a lack of specific asthma related data in the Parramore community, anecdotal
evidence from the Central Florida Asthma Initiative’s Open Airways Program supports the
42
theory that children in the Parramore community may have a higher rate of asthma. In 2002,
the Central Florida Asthma Initiative, a joint initiative of the American Lung Association of
Florida and the Central Florida Asthma Consortium, targeted three high‐minority zip codes in
the Central and East Learning communities of the Orange County Public School District. The
majority of Parramore children residing in the 32805 zip code attend schools within the Central
and East Learning communities. Within this initiative, physician diagnosed asthma rates
ranging from 12% to 17% were identified. In addition, 16% of households surveyed had
children with symptoms consistent with asthma but no physician diagnosis.
In order to determine the exact numbers of children living in the Parramore community
affected by asthma, a community health needs assessment survey should be undertaken and
respondent addresses geocoded to determine their proximity to the major roadways
surrounding the neighborhood.
43
IX. RECOMMENDATIONS
The scope of this health impact assessment is to understand and document the connection
between the impact of the four major roadways which border the Parramore community and
asthma rates in the community. While additional analysis, including air quality testing
throughout the year and a community health needs assessment, must be undertaken to fully
understand this impact, the literature review and data gathered paints a strong picture of the
connection between higher than average asthma rates and vulnerable populations who live
within close proximity to major roadway systems. Based on the scope and findings of the HIA,
below are recommendations for further analysis and community‐based interventions.
Land Use
Implement land use policies to limit new development near heavily trafficked roads and
mitigation techniques for existing buildings and homes
Where appropriate, utilize solid barriers to mitigate traffic‐related air pollution in
addition to vegetative barriers like tree stands
Review public health laws as a tool for reducing the sighting of new institutions and
schools close to busy traffic corridors and major highways
Housing
Increase resident awareness of housing rehabilitation and assistance programs
Improve pedestrian features along Orange Blossom Trail
Direct mixed‐use development along main corridors for decrease in Vehicle Miles
Traveled
Market the Choice Voucher Program as a rental housing option to both eligible
recipients and to the general public due to its strict adherence to health and building
codes
Promote the benefits and guaranties of the program targeting community investors and
landlords
Programmatic
Below is a list of City of Orlando and/or Orange County Government community development
and housing programs that may assist residents and/or landlords with maintenance of quality,
affordable housing, community organizing and neighborhood stability.
Promote programs available through the City of Orlando & Orange County Housing and
Community Development Division
Housing Rehabilitation Program
Down Payment Assistance Program
44
Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program
Rental Rehabilitation Program
Neighborhood Stabilization Program
The POWER Program
Utility Payment Assistance
Foreclosure Prevention Program
Enhance Quality of Life
Main Street Program
Keep Orlando Beautiful
Mayor's Matching Grants
Neighborhood Traffic Calming
Tree Planting Programs ‐‐ Green Up Orlando
Strengthen Orlando
Orlando Housing Authority
Ban smoking in all units
Offer free smoke alarms to all residents
Habitat For Humanity ‐ renovation projects in Central Florida, partnering with Orange
County: http://westorlandonews.com/2011/10/25/orange‐county‐habitat‐to‐renovate‐
homes‐for‐low‐income‐families
Rebuilding Together ‐ programs and funding to provide critical repairs and renovations
across United States
Health
Conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment specific to the Parramore community
to assess status of health & wellness of residents
Assessment questions to include attitudes towards health, healthy eating and physical
activity as well as existing health conditions
Implement community‐based chronic disease prevention initiatives, such as the
diabetes intervention strategies
Code Enforcement
Conduct educational workshops for the community as to the effect code violations have
directly on their health and encourage resident advocacy to landlords
Partner with local organizations to renovate older dilapidated homes
Code enforcement must continue to monitor and require neglectful landlords to fix their
properties
Review current housing rehabilitation programs for possible improvements
45
Focus code enforcement efforts on these areas where sufficient evidence of effectiveness
has been obtained:
o Asthma interventions
o Pest management ‐ allergen reduction
o Moisture intrusion elimination
Air Quality
Continue air quality testing especially as long term vision plan calls for additional housing
and expansion of uses along OBT & SR 50
Invest in tree inventory software
Research compliance among federal and state agencies for compliance with tree and
landscape regulations
Make programs such as “10,000 Trees Initiative” permanent
Plant trees with large leaf surface areas, full canopies and low BVOC output
Plant trees with longer life spans, low maintenance costs and in areas with highly polluted
air or populated communities.
Plant trees in locations that are practical and that decrease unhealthy air emissions
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