« Previous AbstractSingle-Layered Hybrid Materials Based on 1D Associated Metalorganic Nanoribbons for Controlled Release of Pheromones    Next Abstract"Three regulators of G protein signaling differentially affect mating, morphology and virulence in the smut fungus Ustilago maydis" »

Environ Res

Title:		Vehicle interior air quality conditions when travelling by taxi
Author(s):		Moreno T; Pacitto A; Fernandez A; Amato F; Marco E; Grimalt JO; Buonanno G; Querol X;
Address:		"Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Studies (IDAEA), CSIC, 18-26 Jordi Girona, Barcelona 08034, Spain. Electronic address: teresa.moreno@idaea.csic.es. Dept. of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy. Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Studies (IDAEA), CSIC, 18-26 Jordi Girona, Barcelona 08034, Spain. Dept. of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia"
Journal Title:		Environ Res
Year:		2019
Volume:		20190228
Issue:
Page Number:		529 - 542
DOI:		10.1016/j.envres.2019.02.042
ISSN/ISBN:		1096-0953 (Electronic) 0013-9351 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Vehicle interior air quality (VIAQ) was investigated inside 14 diesel/non-diesel taxi pairs operating simultaneously and under normal working conditions over six weekday hours (10.00-16.00) in the city of Barcelona, Spain. Parameters measured included PM(10) mass and inorganic chemistry, ultrafine particle number (N) and size, lung surface deposited area (LDSA), black carbon (BC), CO(2), CO, and a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most taxi drivers elected to drive with windows open, thus keeping levels of CO(2) and internally-generated VOCs low but exposing them to high levels of traffic-related air pollutants entering from outside and confirming that air exchange rates are the dominant influence on VIAQ. Median values of N and LDSA (both sensitive markers of VIAQ fluctuations and likely health effects) were reduced to around 10(4) #/cm(3) and 2?ª+ppm) were commonly associated with older, high-km diesel taxis. Median PM(10) concentrations (67?ª+microg/m(3)) were treble those of urban background, mainly due to increased levels of organic and elemental carbon, with source apportionment calculations identifying the main pollutants as vehicle exhaust and non-exhaust particles. Enhancements in PM(10) concentrations of Cr, Cu, Sn, Sb, and a 'High Field Strength Element' zircon-related group characterised by Zr, Hf, Nb, Y and U, are attributed mainly to the presence of brake-derived PM. Volatile organic compounds display a mixture which reflects the complexity of traffic-related organic carbon emissions infiltrating the taxi interior, with 2-methylbutane and n-pentane being the most abundant VOCs, followed by toluene, m-xylene, o-xylene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, benzene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene. Internally sourced VOCs included high monoterpene concentrations from an air freshener, and interior off-gassing may explain why the youngest taxi registered the highest content of alkanes and aromatic compounds. Carbon dioxide concentrations quickly climbed to undesirable levels (>2500?ª+ppm) under closed ventilation conditions and could stay high for much of the working day. Taxi drivers face daily occupational exposure to traffic-related air pollutants and would benefit from a greater awareness of VIAQ issues, notably the use of ventilation, to encourage them to minimise possible health effects caused by their working environment"
Keywords:		"*Air Pollutants/analysis *Air Pollution, Indoor/statistics & numerical data *Automobiles/standards *Environmental Monitoring *Occupational Exposure/statistics & numerical data Particulate Matter/analysis Spain Vehicle Emissions Commuting Indoor air qualit;"
Notes:		"MedlineMoreno, Teresa Pacitto, Antonio Fernandez, Amaia Amato, Fulvio Marco, Esther Grimalt, Joan O Buonanno, Giorgio Querol, Xavier eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Netherlands 2019/03/11 Environ Res. 2019 May; 172:529-542. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.02.042. Epub 2019 Feb 28"