Abstract
Out of eight deaths caused worldwide, one death is caused due to air pollution exposure, making it one of the top global killers. Personal exposure measurement for real-time monitoring has been used for inhaled dose estimation during various modes of workplace commuting. However, dose-exposure studies during long commutes are scarce and more information on inhaled doses is needed. This study focuses on personal exposures to size-fractionated particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM7, PM10, TSP) and black carbon (BC) inside a bus traveling more than 270 kms on a highway between Albany, NY and Boston, MA. Measurements were also made indoors, outdoors, and while walking in each city. Mean PM (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM7, PM10, TSP) and mean BC concentrations were calculated to estimate the inhaled exposure dose. The highest average PM2.5 and PM10 exposures concentrations were 30 ± 12 and 111 ± 193 µg/m3, respectively, during Boston to Albany. Notably, personal exposure to BC on a bus from Albany to Boston (5483 ± 2099 ng/m3) was the highest measured during any commute. The average inhaled dose for PM2.5 during commutes ranged from 0.018 µg/km to 0.371 µg/km. Exposure concentrations in indoor settings (average PM2.5 = 37 ± 55 µg/m3, PM10 = 78 ± 82 µg/m3, BC = 5695 ± 1774 ng/m3) were higher than those in outdoor environments. Carpeted flooring, cooking, and vacuuming all tended to increase the indoor particulate level. A high BC concentration (1583 ± 1004 ng/m3) was measured during walking. Typical concentration profiles in long-haul journeys are presented.
Highlights
With rapid urbanization and vehicular rise, the elevated levels of pollutant particles in air pose a greater concern for public health than ever before
These personal monitors provide real-time air pollutant exposure levels in micro- as well as outdoor environments, and assess various exposure degrees considering the population as a whole [23,24]
This study examined the personal exposure to size-fractionated particulate matter (PM) and black carbon (BC) during long-haul journeys as well as indoor and outdoor environments
Summary
With rapid urbanization and vehicular rise, the elevated levels of pollutant particles in air pose a greater concern for public health than ever before. Personal monitors have been used to assess the link between public health and air quality [21,22] These personal monitors provide real-time air pollutant exposure levels in micro- as well as outdoor environments, and assess various exposure degrees considering the population as a whole [23,24]. Studies of pedestrian exposure to pollutants yielded conflicting results, with some suggesting that individuals walking are less exposed to particles when compared to commuters in a bus or car [35,36], whereas some reported conflicting findings [37–39]. Our study focused on exposure during long-distance commutes between two capital cities of the northeastern United States (Albany, NY and Boston, MA), as well as indoors, outdoors, and while walking in each city. PM sampling device in Mass profiler mode that provides a PM mass concentration/m3 of
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
