A recent study performed by Google has provided some interesting air quality results in Oakland.

Per Hoodline, Google teamed up with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Aclima to map airborne pollution, specifically in West Oakland. Air quality monitors and Google car sensors were used to take nearly three million measurements over 50 days.

The results showed high levels of black carbon, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide in areas with high-traffic roads and highways. Between the Uptown and West Oakland neighborhoods, data show Grand Avenue as a highly polluted area due to bus traffic. The map indicates it as a densely populated area, meaning more people are exposed to these types of toxins.

The Lower Bottoms neighborhood seems covered in a cloud of pollutants. Results from the study showed elevated pollution levels due to the nearby rail yard, highway, port, and main ship terminal. Chinatown also showed high air pollutants, specifically in roads near the highway.

The results don’t show how unhealthy the pollutants are, but EDF is currently analyzing health data in the area to find corresponding results. Known health concerns from the pollutants found in this area range from heart attacks, strokes, cancers, and respiratory problems. 

In their analysis, Google said, “we hope Bay Area residents use this resource to explore air quality in Oakland and find out how you can do your part to improve it.”