Methodology
Average CO, NOx, and VOC emissions (g/mil) at 25 mph were obtained from 2002 reports for Kings County by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).
Annual daily traffic volume data for Kings County and NYC streets were obtained from NYSDOT, as well.
Emissions averages for each chemical category were multiplied by the number of cars traveling daily through specific streets and the miles traveled, yielding site-specific total daily emissions.
ArcGIS was used to map these emissions and put them in the context of area roads. Roadway databases were obtained from 2001 United States Census reports.
For a frame of reference, population density data was obtained from the 2001 Census at www.uscensus.gov and mapped using ArcGIS.
Hospital admission rates for asthma and heart disease were obtained from the 2003 Health Profile for Canarsie/Flatlands by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which used 2001 US Census data.
Microsoft Excel was used to chart admissions rates, as well as survey responses.