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 (PM 2.5 ) 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/m 2 ), 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/m 2 higher BMI (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.65 kg/m 2 ), 78.4 cm 3 higher SAT (95% CI: 4.5 to 152.3 cm 3 ), and 41.8 cm 3 higher VAT (95% CI: −4.7 to 88.2 cm 3 ) than those who lived 440 m away. Conclusions Living closer to a major roadway was associated with higher overall and abdominal adiposity.