Airborne Emissions Research Articles

Higher viral load and infectivity increase risk of aerosol transmission for Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2

BACKGROUND: Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is an important route of infection. For the wildtype (WT) only a small proportion of those infected emitted large quantities of the virus. The currently prevalent variants of concern, Delta (B1.617.2) and Omicron (B.1.1.529), are characterized by higher viral loads and a lower minimal infective dose compared to the WT. We aimed to describe the resulting distribution of airborne viral emissions and to reassess the risk estimates for public settings given the higher viral load and infectivity.

Assessment of airborne emissions during the use of a Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots incorporating ink and a proposal to calculate their human health and freshwater effect factors

Quantum dots (QDs) confer a wide range of optical properties to pigments/inks. With new products and applications entering the market, the airborne emissions of QDs-incorporating inks during usage stage at consumer scale (e.g. household printing) and their corresponding impacts towards human health and the environment need to be investigated. In the present work Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) QDs have been selected as a case study. The targets of this study comprise: (i) the characterization under controlled conditions of the emissions during inkjet printing of a prototype of a CdTe QDs nanoadditivated ink and (ii) the assessment of the feasibility to derive human health and freshwater effect factors (EF) for potentially released CdTe QDs with the USEtox® consensus model. Mean particle size after 60 minutes inkjet printing corresponded to 59.52 nm. For human health EF calculation an extrapolation to the human EF of other nanomaterials has been proposed considering CdTe QDs’ specific surface area whereas for the calculation of the freshwater EF, few of the data available have revealed suitable. A generic constraint to calculate both EFs for CdTe QDs released throughout the life cycle of a product incorporating them is related to the absence of information corresponding to their specific (eco)toxicological impacts.

On-Line Monitoring of Radiocarbon Emissions in a Nuclear Facility with Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy.

There are currently no suitable methods for sensitive automated in situ monitoring of gaseous radiocarbon, one of the main sources of radioactive gas emissions from nuclear power plants. Here, we present a transportable instrument for in situ airborne radiocarbon detection based on mid-infrared cavity ring-down spectroscopy and report its performance in a 1-week field measurement at the Loviisa nuclear power plant. Radiocarbon is detected by measuring an absorption line of the 14CO2 molecule. The time resolution of the measurements is 45 min, significantly less than the few days’ resolution of the currently used technique, while maintaining a comparable sensitivity. The method can also assess the prevalence of radiocarbon in different molecular species in the airborne emissions. The optical in situ monitoring presented is a completely new method for monitoring emissions from nuclear facilities.

Size-resolved, quantitative evaluation of the magnetic mineralogy of airborne brake-wear particulate emissions

Exposure to particulate air pollution has been associated with a variety of respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological problems, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Brake-wear emissions are one of the major sources of metal-rich airborne particulate pollution in roadside environments. Of potentially bioreactive metals, Fe (especially in its ferrous form, Fe2+) might play a specific role in both neurological and cardiovascular impairments. Here, we collected brake-wear particulate emissions using a full-scale brake dynamometer, and used a combination of magnetic measurements and electron microscopy to make quantitative evaluation of the magnetic composition and particle size of airborne emissions originating from passenger car brake systems. Our results show that the concentrations of Fe-rich magnetic grains in airborne brake-wear emissions are very high (i.e., ~100–10,000 × higher), compared to other types of particulate pollutants produced in most urban environments. From magnetic component analysis, the average magnetite mass concentration in total PM10 of brake emissions is ~20.2 wt% and metallic Fe ~1.6 wt%. Most brake-wear airborne particles (>99 % of particle number concentration) are smaller than 200 nm. Using low-temperature magnetic measurements, we observed a strong superparamagnetic signal (indicative of ultrafine magnetic particles, < ~30 nm) for all of the analysed size fractions of airborne brake-wear particles. Transmission electron microscopy independently shows that even the larger size fractions of airborne brake-wear emissions dominantly comprise agglomerates of ultrafine (<100 nm) particles (UFPs). Such UFPs likely pose a threat to neuronal and cardiovascular health after inhalation and/or ingestion. The observed abundance of ultrafine magnetite particles (estimated to constitute ~7.6 wt% of PM0.2) might be especially hazardous to the brain, contributing both to microglial inflammatory action and excess generation of reactive oxygen species.

Input Parameters for Airborne Brake Wear Emission Simulations: A Comprehensive Review

Non-exhaust emissions, generated by the wear of brake systems, tires, roads, clutches, and road resuspension, are responsible for a large part of airborne pollutants in urban areas. Brake wear accounts for 55% of non-exhaust emissions and significantly contributes to urban health diseases related to air pollution. A major part of the studies reported in the scientific literature are focused on experimental methods to sample and characterize brake wear particles in a reliable, representative, and repeatable way. In this framework, simulation is an important tool, which makes it possible to give interpretations of the experimental results, formulate new testing approaches, and predict the emission produced by brakes. The present comprehensive literature review aims to introduce the state of the art of the research on the different aspects of airborne wear debris resulting from brake systems which can be used as inputs in future simulation models. In this review, previous studies focusing on airborne emissions produced by brake systems are investigated in three main categories: the subsystem level, system level, and environmental level. As well as all the information provided in the literature, the simulation methodologies are also investigated at all levels. It can be concluded from the present review study that various factors, such as the uncertainty and repeatability of the brake wear experiments, distinguish the results of the subsystem and system levels. This gap should be taken into account in the development of future experimental and simulation methods for the investigation of airborne brake wear emissions.

Health Effects of Naphthalene Exposure: A Systematic Evidence Map and Analysis of Potential Considerations for Dose-Response Evaluation.

Background:Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that has been associated with health effects, including cancer. As the state of the science on naphthalene toxicity continues to evolve, updated toxicity reference value(s) may be required to support human health risk assessment.Objectives:We present a systematic evidence map of studies that could be used to derive toxicity reference value(s) for naphthalene.Methods:Human and animal health effect studies and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were identified from a literature search based on populations, exposures, comparators, and outcomes (PECO) criteria. Human and animal studies meeting PECO criteria were refined to a smaller subset considered most informative for deriving chronic reference value(s), which are preferred for assessing risk to the general public. This subset was evaluated for risk of bias and sensitivity, and the suitability of each study for dose–response analysis was qualitatively assessed. Lowest observed adverse effect levels (LOAELs) were extracted and summarized. Other potentially relevant studies (e.g., mechanistic and toxicokinetic studies) were tracked as supplemental information but not evaluated further. Existing reference values for naphthalene are also summarized.Results:We identified 26 epidemiology studies and 16 animal studies that were considered most informative for further analysis. Eleven PBPK models were identified. The available epidemiology studies generally had significant risk of bias and/or sensitivity concerns and were mostly found to have low suitability for dose–response analysis due to the nature of the exposure measurements. The animal studies had fewer risk of bias and sensitivity concerns and were mostly found to be suitable for dose–response analysis.Conclusion:Although both epidemiological and animal studies of naphthalene provide weight of evidence for hazard identification, the available animal studies appear more suitable for reference value derivation. PBPK models and mechanistic and toxicokinetic data can be applied to extrapolate these animal data to humans, considering mode of action and interspecies metabolic differences. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7381

Safe-by-design strategies applied to scaffold hybrid manufacturing

The EU-project FAST (GA 685825) has developed a 3D printer machine prototype for the manufacture of bone implants (scaffolds), by merging masterbatches of biodegradable polymer poly(ethylene oxide)terephthalate/poly(butylene terephthalate) [PEOT/PBT] doped with nanofillers [reduced graphene oxide (rGO), hydroxyapatite (HA) and magnesium aluminium hydroxide ciprofloxacin hydrotalcite (LDH-CFX)], and atmospheric plasma technology. This paper focus on the safe design strategies identified by FAST to address the risk to health resulting from the potential airborne emission of nano-objects and their aggregates and agglomerates (NOAAs) by the 3D printer prototype, which might result in occupational exposures by inhalation. The work also includes measurements of airborne emissions and occupational exposures carried out during the verification stage of the prototype design. Nanofillers particles (rGO, n-HA, LDH-CFX) were not observed, neither at source nor in the working area, suggesting no release of free nanofillers to the air one they have been embedded in the polymer masterbatch. Additionally, the exposure in the workplace was far below the selected Occupational Exposure Levels (OELs), for total particle number concentration (PNC), dust, elemental carbon (EC) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The results showed that, when working with the current prototype in normal operation (for its intended use) and with controls enabled [enclosure with the doors closed and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) activated], the emission from the machine and the worker’s exposure to NOAAs are well controlled.

Digital Twins applied to the implementation of Safe-by-Design strategies in nano-processes for the reduction of airborne emission and occupational exposure to nano-forms

Digital Twins (DTs) are one of the most promising enabling technologies for the deployment of the factory of the future and the Industry 4.0 framework. DTs could be labelled as an inherently Safe-by-Design (SbD) strategy and can be applied at different stages in the life cycle of a process. The EU-funded project ASINA has the ambition to promote coherent, applicable and scientifically sound SbD nano-practices. In particular, in the field of nanomanufacturing, ASINA intends to deliver innovative SbD solutions applied to process (P-SbD). In this context, ASINA will investigate the use of DTs as a disruptive digital technology for the prevention, prediction and control of nano-forms airborne emission and worker exposure. This paper introduces the concept of DT in the field of nano-processes SbD and outlines the preliminary architecture of ASINA-DT, that will be developed and implemented by ASINA in one industrial scenario.

A spatially explicit optimization model for the selection of sustainable transport technologies at regional bus companies

Buses account for almost 60% of the total public transport services in Europe, and most of the vehicles are diesel fuelled. Regional transport administrators, under pressure by governments to introduce zero-emission buses, require analytical tools for identifying optimal solutions. In literature, few models combine location analysis, least cost planning, and emission assessment, taking into account multiple technologies which might achieve emission reduction goals. In this paper, an existing optimal location model for electric urban transport is adapted to match the needs of regional transport. The model, which aims to evaluate well-to-wheel carbon emissions as well as airborne emissions of NOx and PM10, is applied to a real case study of a regional bus transport service in North Eastern Italy. The optimization has identified electric buses with relatively small (60 kWh) batteries as the best compromise for reducing carbon equivalent emissions; however, under current economic conditions in Italy, the life cycle cost of such vehicles is still much higher than those of Euro VI diesel buses. In this context, our model helps in identifying ways to minimize infrastructure costs and to efficiently allocate expensive resources such as electric buses to the routes where the maximum environmental benefit can be achieved.

Release and cytotoxicity screening of the printer emissions of a CdTe quantum dots-based fluorescent ink

The fluorescent properties of cadmium telluride (CdTe) containing quantum dots (QDs) have led to novel products and applications in the ink and pigment industry. The toxic effects of the emissions associated to the use of printing ink containing CdTe QDs might differ from those of conventional formulations which do not integrate nanoparticles, as CdTe QDs might be emitted. Within this work, the airborne emissions of a water-soluble fluorescent ink containing polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated CdTe QDs of 3−5 nm diameter have been characterized and studied under controlled conditions during household inkjet printing in a scenario simulating the use phase. Subsequently, the cytotoxicological potential of atomized CdTe QDs ink in an acute exposure regimen simulating an accidental, worse-case scenario has been evaluated in vitro at the air-liquid interface (ALI) using the pulmonary cell line BEAS-2B. Endpoints screened included cell viability, oxidative stress and inflammatory effects. We have observed that CdTe QDs ink at 54.7 ng/mL decreased cell viability by 25.6 % when compared with clean air after 1h of exposure; a concentration about 65 times higher was needed to observe a similar effect in submerged conditions. However, we did not observe oxidative stress or inflammatory effects. The present study integrates the development of scenarios simulating the use phase of nano-additivated inks and the direct cell exposure for in vitro effects assessment, thus implementing a life-cycle oriented approach in the assessment of the toxicity of CdTe QDs.

Assessment of ship emissions in coastal waters using spatial projections of ship tracks, ship voyage and engine specification data

To understand, mitigate and reduce the detrimental effects on human health and the environment from exhaust gas emissions from ships it is necessary to be able to estimate the quantity and location of these ship emissions in time. Currently, the two most commonly used ship emission assessment methods sit on opposite ends of the spectrum – the top-down approach, which provides low resolution yet efficient aggregated results however is unable to account for specific shipping activities, and the bottom-up vessel-by-vessel approach, which provides near-instantaneous ship emissions production at a high resolution – yet is data and time intensive. To address the market gap for a ship greenhouse emission estimation method that hybridises the best of both the bottom-up and top-down methods the novel Ship Emissions Assessment (SEA) method is proposed as an innovative hybrid solution. It is a cost effective and resource efficient method, presenting spatial ship emissions utilising widely accessible data, and it is precise – fulfilling the requirements needed to evaluate ship emissions reduction measures. Novel SEA method is the first in its endeavour to replace Automatic Identification System (AIS) Vessel-based raw data allocation, by using rapid analyses of readily available ship track density data and average voyage information. It combines obtained average voyage distance with voyage average speed to estimate ship activity for emission assessments - saving costs by reducing time and reliance on complex computations, especially when many ships need to be analysed simultaneously. Using the novel SEA method, a series of containerships from geographically diverse ports were sampled and assessed for emissions with comparative results confirming the representations equivalent to the detailed and data demanding bottom-up method. Subsequently, the novel SEA method was applied to containership traffic calling into the Port of Trieste, in the northern Adriatic Sea, where it demonstrated the ability to estimate and quantify historic emissions for the preceding 12 months while taking into account seasonal port traffic variations. The novel SEA method showed to be an efficient, inexpensive and accurate, easy-to-use emission assessment tool based on widely accessible data. It can be used in day-to-day shipping operations by a variety of stakeholders including port operations managers, regional traffic operators, and those non-industry, while providing the required level of technical accuracy. In comparison, existing methods are not as time and cost effective, user-friendly, nor based on easy to interpret and readily accessible data. The novel SEA method enables further global research of ship emissions, and for regional and international policy makers to effectively manage the measures needed to reach greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. • Ship emission estimation method hybridising the best of bottom-up and top-down . • Rapid and accurate estimation of airborne emissions from ships. • Assessing effectiveness of evolved and mandated NO x reduction measures. • Ship emissions estimated using widely accessible ship track density maps. • Estimated CO 2 , SO x and NO x containership emissions for the Port of Trieste.

Nitrogen isotopes in the soil-to-tree continuum - Tree rings express the soil biogeochemistry of boreal forests exposed to moderate airborne emissions.

Anthropogenic N emissions represent a potential threat for forest ecosystems, and environmental indicators that provide insight into the changing forest N cycle are needed. Tree ring N isotopic ratios (δ15N) appear as a contentious choice for this role as the exact mechanisms behind tree-ring δ15N changes seldom benefit from a scrutiny of the soil-to-tree N continuum. This study integrates the results from the analysis of soil chemistry, soil microbiome genomics, and δ15N values of soil N compounds, roots, ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi and recent tree rings of thirteen white spruce trees sampled in five stands, from two regions exposed to moderate anthropogenic N emissions (3.9 to 8.1 kg/ha/y) with distinctive δ15N signals. Our results reveal that airborne anthropogenic N with distinct δ15N signals may directly modify the NO3- δ15N values in surface soils, but not the ones of NH4+, the preferred N form of the studied trees. Hence, the tree-ring δ15N values reflect specific soil N conditions and assimilation modes by trees. Along with a wide tree-ring δ15N range, we report differences in: soil nutrient content and N transformation rates; δ15N values of NH4+, total dissolved N (TDN) and EcM mantle enveloping the root tips; and bacterial and fungal community structures. We combine EcM mantle and root δ15N values with fungal identification to infer that hydrophobic EcM fungi transfer N from the dissolved organic N (DON) pool to roots under acidic conditions, and hydrophilic EcM fungi transfer various N forms to roots, which also assimilate N directly under less acidic conditions. Despite the complexities of soil biogeochemical properties and processes identified in the studied sites, in the end, the tree-ring δ15N averages inversely correlate with soil pH and anthropogenic N inputs, confirming white spruce tree-ring δ15N values as a suitable indicator for environmental research on forest N cycling.

Lead Emissions and Population Vulnerability in the Detroit Metropolitan Area, 2006-2013: Impact of Pollution, Housing Age and Neighborhood Racial Isolation and Poverty on Blood Lead in Children.

This research investigates the relationships between airborne and depositional industrial lead emission concentrations modeled using Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD) and childhood blood lead levels (BLL) in the Detroit Metropolitan Area (DMA) 2006–2013. Linear and mediation interaction regression models estimated the effects of older housing and airborne and depositional lead emission concentrations on black and white childhood BLLs, controlling for neighborhood levels of racial isolation and poverty—important social structures in the DMA. The results showed a direct relationship between airborne and depositional lead emissions and higher childhood BLL, after controlling for median housing age. Lead emissions also exacerbated the effect of older housing on black and white children’s BLLs (indirect relationship), after controlling for social structures. Findings from this research indicate that black and white children exposed to lead-based paint/pipes in older housing are further impacted by industrial lead pollution that may lead to permanent neurological damage.

Comparison of particulate-matter emissions from liquid-fueled pool fires and fire whirls

Abstract In-situ burning (ISB) is one of the most effective means of removing oil spilled over open water. While current ISB practices can eliminate a large fraction of the spilled oil, they still result in significant airborne emissions of particulate matter. ISBs are classified as large, free-buoyant pool fires, from which black smoke consisting of particulate matter (PM, soot) emanates as a plume. An experimental investigation of soot emissions from pool fires (PF) and fire whirls (FW) was conducted using liquid hydrocarbon fuels, n-heptane and Alaska North Slope (ANS) crude oil, in fuel pools 10 − 70 cm in diameter. Burning attributes such as burning rate, fuel-consumption efficiency, and emissions of PM, unburned hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and oxygen consumption were measured. For both fuels and all pool diameters, compared to PFs, FWs consumed fuel at a higher rate, had lower post-combustion residual mass and PM emission rates. Collectively, these resulted in consistently lower PM emission factors (EF PM ) for FWs at all scales. For FWs, EF PM decreased linearly with a nondimensional quantity defined as the ratio of inverse Rossby number to nondimensional heat-release rate. These results show that the addition of ambient circulation to free-burning PFs to form FWs can increase burning efficiency, reducing both burning duration and EF PM across length scales. The reduction in EF PM with increasing influence of circulation is attributed to a feedback loop of higher temperatures, heat feedback, burning rate and air-entrainment velocity, which in turn contributes to maintaining the structure of a FW. Boilover was observed for fires formed with ANS crude oil at the 70 cm scale, although the overall EF PM was not affected significantly. This investigation presents a foundation to evaluate the detailed mechanisms further, such that appropriate configurations can be developed help minimize the environmental impact of ISBs.

Occupational exposure of health care personnel to SARS-CoV-2 particles in the intensive care unit of Tehran hospital

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has attracted much attention to study its possible presence and airborne transmission. The possibility of COVID-19 airborne transmission in indoor environments is debatable. The present study examined the concentration of viral RNA-containing particles produced directly or indirectly by breathing or coughing of confirmed COVID-19 patients or by carriers without symptoms. Some studies do not accept this method of transmission (COVID-19 airborne transmission). The present study aimed to measure the possible exposure of health care personnel to SARS-CoV-2 particles that may have been suspended in the air to respond to the hypothesis of COVID-19 airborne transmission. Airborne particle sampling was performed using impingement method based on NIOSH (chapter BA) and ASHRAE. Selection of sampling sections was in line with the WHO guidelines. The samples were analyzed using RT-PCR technique. Based on the given results, airborne particles of COVID-19 may present in the air and affect the health of hospital personnel. In fact, the analysis of gene expression in ambient conditions and thereby aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through air is possible and may lead to occupational exposure of health care personnel. Furthermore, it was found that airborne emission of COVID-19 through the breathing zone of patients, particularly in ICU wards with confirmed cases of COVID-19, may be higher than in other ICU wards. Also, the demonstrated results showed that there is a possibility of reaerosolization (reintroduction) of previously airborne SARS-CoV-2 particles into the atmosphere due to health care personnel frequently walking between different wards and stations of ICU.

Chemical Composition of Aerosols of an Electronic Cigarette

A needle trap sampler (NTS) packed with 60–80-mesh divinylbenzene (DVB) adsorbent inside a 22-gauge stainless steel needle was used as a micro sampling device to extract chemical compounds in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) aerosol. The samples were then analyzed using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectroscopy (MS) to determine the constituents. Based on the experimental results, e-cigarette smokers are exposed to high concentrations of nicotine (146 ± 51 mg m–3) during long sessions. If the e-cigarette liquid leaks though the filter of the cartridge, the user is exposed to even greater quantities (914 mg m–3). However, the secondhand aerosol contains less than 1 mg m–3 of nicotine on average (with 0.43–1.74 mg m–3 being the approximate full range). In addition to nicotine, the airborne emissions from e-cigarettes mainly consist of vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and triacetin.

Thermal analysis of hybrid aluminium metal matrix composites

In this work the thermal properties of hybrid metal matrix composites are analyzed. Thermal analysis of composite materials is essential for electronic devices. Thermal analysis of hybrid metal matrix composites is applied in electronic packaging. The property proposed to be assessed within are increased endurance limit, increased productivity, energizing, low maintenance cost and benefit to the surroundings such as less noise, less airborne emissions. Packaging material should have considerable aspects such as deplorably low thermal coefficient of expansion, high thermal conductivity, and low cost, low density with good mechanical properties. The hybrid composites are fabricated by liquid in filtration process and subjected to thermal studies such as thermal diffusivity, thermal coefficient of expansion and melting point.

PFAS soil and groundwater contamination via industrial airborne emission and land deposition in SW Vermont and Eastern New York State, USA.

In order to understand the extent to which airborne PFAS emission can impact soil and groundwater, we conducted a sampling campaign in areas of conserved forest lands near Bennington, VT/Hoosick Falls, NY. This has been home to sources of PFAS air-emissions from Teflon-coating operations for over 50 years. Since 2015, the Vermont and New York Departments of Environmental Conservation have documented ∼1200 residential wells and two municipal water systems across a 200 km2 area contaminated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Given the large areal extent of the plume, and the fact that much of the contaminated area lies up-gradient and across rivers from manufactures, we seek to determine if groundwater contamination could have resulted primarily from air-emission, land deposition, and subsequent leaching to infiltrating groundwater. Sampling of soils and groundwater in the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) downwind of factories shows that both soil and groundwater PFOA contamination extend uninterrupted from inhabited areas into conserved forest lands. Groundwater springs and seeps in the GMNF located 8 km downwind, but >300 meters vertically above factories, contain up to 100 ppt PFOA. Our results indicate that air-emitted PFAS can contaminate groundwater and soil in areas outside of those normally considered down-gradient of a source with respect to regional groundwater flow.

Airborne Wear Particle Emissions Produced during the Dyno Bench Tests with a Slag Containing Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

The aim of the present paper is to investigate the level of airborne wear particles released during the dyno-bench tests with the brake pads consisting of alkali-activated slag as an abrasive. Airborne wear particles are generated with a full-scale dyno-bench adapted for airborne wear particles emission studies. The tested disc brake is equipped with two semi-metallic brake pads and a grey cast iron brake disc. A reduced Los Angeles City Traffic (LACT) driving cycle, developed within the LOWBRASYS project (European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme), is used to mimic city driving. The same friction pair is used six times with reduced LACT cycle. The weight loss and thickness of the pads and disc are registered after each test cycle ends. The amount of the airborne wear particles emissions released during each test cycle are characterized using a PM10 impactor and electric low-pressure impactor. The obtained data of wear particle emissions are correlated with the parameters of the brake stops. The maximum disc temperature was indicated as the parameter having the largest influence on the production of particle emissions together with the duration of the brake event

Effects of temperature on economic attractiveness and airborne emissions' external costs of large battery electric and diesel delivery vans

Past studies have shown that public support for battery electric (BEV) vans is justified by their emission external cost savings compared to their diesel equivalent. This study builds on this previous work and focuses on temperature effects on costs and energy use of large BEV and diesel vans. The authors find that temperature effect has relatively small private costs, when compared to the overall operational costs. However, it could reduce large BEV vans' average range by up to 20% in cold cities. Pre-heating the vans could mitigate these negative effects by 5-10%, 90-95% and 100% for 23.4, 46.8 and 70.2 kWh large BEV vans, respectively. Hence, policy makers should adopt different strategies according to city temperature profiles, prioritiz-ing subsidies to charging stations in cold cities.