Abstract
This paper investigates the carbon monoxide (CO) doses received while commuting by different modes (car, bus, train, motorcycle, bicycle and running), taking into account the commute time as well as the level of physical activity required. While the participants were constrained to travel at specific peak traffic times and between designated start and end points, they were free to choose a route appropriate for their mode of transport. The results of this study suggest that the lowest exposures (concentrations of pollutants) are experienced by train commuters, largely a reflection of the routes being removed from any significant road traffic. Motorcyclists experienced significantly higher average concentrations as a result of high-concentration and very-short-duration peaks not seen in the traces of car and bus commuters travelling on the same road. Travel by bus along a dedicated busway was also found to be effective in reducing commuter air pollution exposure compared to travel by car on a congested stretch of motorway. The average concentrations to which cyclists and runners were exposed were found to be not significantly different for those travelling by car or bus (except when on dedicated pedestrian/cycleways). However, when the increased physical activity that is required is taken into account (leading to higher volumes of air breathed) along with the increased commuting time (especially in the case of runners), the air pollution doses (as estimated by the product of the concentration, commute time and breathing factor) were found to be significantly higher than for the motorised modes. The results suggest that separate pedestrian/cycleways go some way towards providing healthier options for cyclists and pedestrians.
Highlights
Recent studies suggest that people are exposed to some of their highest concentrations of atmospheric pollutants while commuting [1]
The choice of mode, which determines proximity to the road and route taken become important. In active modes, such as cycling and running/walking, the increased level of physical activity and often increased commute time mean that an increased volume of polluted air is inhaled compared to the same exposure for a commuter travelling by car or bus
The mean commute times ranged from 19 minutes for the motorcyclist on Route 1 to 67 minutes for the runner on Route 3
Summary
Recent studies suggest that people are exposed to some of their highest concentrations of atmospheric pollutants while commuting [1]. The amount of time spent either on or in close proximity to busy roads is expected to be important in assessing individual exposure to road traffic pollution. In active modes, such as cycling and running/walking, the increased level of physical activity and often increased commute time mean that an increased volume of polluted air is inhaled compared to the same exposure for a commuter travelling by car or bus. To date, few commuting studies investigating exposure to air pollution have considered the pollutant dose (a function of the concentration, commute time and breathing rate) as well as exposure (as measured by mean ambient concentration). Lack of high quality exposure data has hampered the investigation between exposure to ambient air pollutants and human health impacts [4]
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