Why was Detroit selected as the study location?
The Detroit metropolitan area is currently designated as a non-attainment area for particulate matter and is anticipated to have residual non-attainment issues in the future. The DEARS study may provide insights to help identify and address issues surrounding Detroit’s non-attainment status. In addition, Detroit has a variety of neighborhoods that might have air characteristics that are different from one another. Wayne Countys population enabled us to recruit participants for the study who might live near different types of pollutant sources. Also, the Detroit area has distinct summer and winter climates that may affect how individuals are exposed to various air pollutants. Finally, the study received support and interest from Detroit’s local community action groups, State air quality agency and nearby university researchers when it was undergoing development in 2004.
