Abstract
AbstractUrban air pollution continues to be a major problem in Nigerian cities. Most studies of air pollution in Nigeria have concentrated on the background air quality and its effects on people outside vehicles. However, it has been suggested that in-vehicle pollution is often worse than pollution outside the vehicle. This study focuses on personal exposures to PM10 and PM2.5 in various modes of transportation in Lagos city. Six roadways which are representative of commercial, industrial, and residential areas of the city were selected. Measurements were made inside four major modes of transportation in the city: cars, buses, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and walking for PM10 and PM2.5. Measurements were done for each mode twice a day (morning and afternoon) for 12 days. The highest average PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were measured for pedestrian (476.35 and 216.60 μg/m3, respectively) during rush hours. The result showed that pedestrians were found to be exposed to the highest average PM10 and PM2.5 concen...
Highlights
The increase in particulate pollution is a potential human risk
While Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) commuters were exposed to the third highest average PM10 in the morning, they experienced the lowest average level in the afternoon (Table 2)
It is thought that the higher average concentration of PM10 in BRT than in bus could be as a result of diesel being the fuel used by BRT, as about 73% of PM10 particulates originate from diesel exhaust alone (Kingham & Dorset, 2010)
Summary
The increase in particulate pollution is a potential human risk. Traffic is a major emission source of particles especially in urban areas (Weijers, Khlystovb, Kosa, & Erismana, 2004). Cities are home to a raft of social and environmental problems, and air pollution is a key issue because of its adverse effects on human health. Recent study by Daniel, Doris, Stefania, and David (2011) has it that human exposure to air pollution from motor vehicles is increasingly being linked to adverse health outcomes. Road transport is a major transport mode, and cars, minibuses as well as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicles are objects of desire and pride in many societies. These positive aspects are closely associated with hazards caused by road transport to the environment and human health (Dora & Phillips, 2000). Atmospheric particles have been widely studied in different parts of the world, there are limited studies of exposure to particulate matter during transport in Nigeria
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
