PM2.5 and CO concentrations inside an indoor go-kart facility

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Safety
• Indoor Air Quality

Background:

• Acute cardiovascular events occurred in go-kart drivers, prompting an air quality assessment.
• Indoor go-kart arenas may pose risks due to air pollutant exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure hazardous air pollutant levels (CO and PM2.5) in an indoor go-kart arena.
• To identify sources and control measures for reducing driver exposure.

Main Methods:

• Personal, continuous-reading instruments measured carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM2.5).
• Driver exposures were compared to track and outdoor concentrations.
• Pollutant sources were partitioned into outdoor infiltration, track cloud, and tailpipe proximity.

Main Results:

• Average CO levels met worker standards but exceeded some health guidelines.
• PM2.5 levels were generally low, but transient peaks were observed.
• Driver CO exposure was significantly higher than track/outdoor levels, dominated by track cloud and proximity.
• PM2.5 exposure drivers were influenced by track cloud and outdoor components, with spikes from passing events.

Conclusions:

• Indoor go-kart arenas can have hazardous air pollutant levels, particularly CO.
• Reducing track cloud and tailpipe proximity exposures is crucial for driver safety.
• Recommendations include ventilation, scheduling, and go-kart engine modifications.