Exposure to traffic-related particulate matter and deposition dose to auto rickshaw driver in Dhanbad, India

Abstract

Driver's exposure in vehicular systems contributes an important fraction of the daily burden of air pollutants. In this study, we examined the PM concentrations in the various microenvironments (ME's) such as in-vehicle [auto-rickshaws], outdoor and indoor. The drivers were estimated to have respiratory deposition doses (RDDs) of PM fractions (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) in the different part of the respiratory tract (head airways (HD), tracheobronchial (TB) and alveolar (AL)) in various ME's to auto-rickshaw drivers. The results showed that average PM concentrations were 3.3 times higher inside auto-rickshaws than ambient level. The highest PM fractions concentrations were observed during congestion period (844 μgm−3 for PM10, 458 μgm−3 for PM2.5 and 302 μgm−3 for PM1) of auto-rickshaw riding. The survey reports showed that eighty percent of drivers believed they were more exposed than a non-driver. More than half of auto-rickshaws drives believed, alternative fuel like CNG was a better way to reduce the air pollution. In the health screening, about 23% and 20% of auto-rickshaws drivers complained of the ‘body pain and eye irritation’ and ‘a headache’, respectively. Overall, the total RDDs values were estimated 4.8 (PM10-2.5), 8.8 (PM2.5-1) and 10.1 (PM1) times higher compared to ambient level to auto-rickshaw drivers in an average day. Based on this result, the fine particulate matter showed in a higher risk of auto-rickshaw drivers in Dhanbad city. This study indicated that driver awareness of traffic air pollution was limited. Future studies should focus on reducing exposures and increasing awareness among auto-rickshaw drivers.