Air pollution is worsening near e-commerce warehouses because of constant traffic, and researchers at George Washington University are warning that people living near the facilities face higher risks of health issues.
Such warehouses, where a company stores its goods to sell online, generally draw frequent travel for packing, picking up, and shipping items and are “disproportionately located in marginalized and minoritized communities,” according to the study, which used European Space Agency satellites, traffic data, and demographic info.
“Increased truck traffic to and from these recently built large warehouses means people living downwind are inhaling an increased amount of harmful nitrogen dioxide pollution,” he said.
Researchers Call for Regulations
Other findings of the study included higher nitrogen dioxide levels near warehouses with heavy-duty vehicle activity and more loading docks or parking spaces. Researchers also found that about 20 percent of warehouses are located in just 10 counties, and a larger proportion of Hispanic and Asian people live close to the most significant clusters of warehouses.
Study authors Mr. Kerr, Michelle Meyer, Daniel L. Goldberg, Joshua Miller, and Susan C. Anenberg said that although others have examined this topic before, it’s the first time a nationwide study has shown that people living near e-commerce hubs are exposed to higher levels of pollutants.
As a result, they argue that regulations for zero-emission vehicle use near industrial hubs should be implemented and that industry leaders should have crucial roles in planning and executing this transition.
“Such measures would mean people living near warehouses could breathe cleaner air,” Mr. Kerr said.
“In addition to a reduced risk of pollutant-related diseases, such measures would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with climate change.”
