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/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.