Driver exposure to particulate matter in Bangkok
W Jinsart1, C Kaewmanee, M Inoue
1National Center of Excellence for Environmental and Hazardous Waste Management, Faculty of Science, Environmental Science Department, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|March 8, 2012
Summary
Bangkok drivers experienced higher particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure, especially in the dry season. Carbon, primarily from vehicles, was the main component of this PM2.5 pollution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Atmospheric Chemistry
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a significant environmental and health concern, particularly in urban areas.
- Drivers are potentially exposed to higher levels of PM due to their proximity to traffic emissions.
- Understanding the composition of PM, such as elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC), is crucial for identifying sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the exposure levels of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters > or = 2.5 microm (PM2.5) and 2.5-10 microm (PM10-2.5) for drivers in Bangkok, Thailand.
- To analyze the proportion of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) within PM2.5.
- To investigate seasonal variations and vehicle type influences on PM exposure.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling was conducted for drivers on four bus routes in Bangkok over 10 days in August 2008 (rainy season) and 8 days in January 2009 (dry season).
- Measurements included PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 exposure levels.
- The proportion of total carbon (TC), elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) in PM2.5 was analyzed.
Main Results:
- PM2.5 exposure levels for Tuk-tuk and non-air-conditioned bus drivers were significantly higher in January (dry season) compared to August (rainy season), approximately doubling.
- PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 exposure levels in January were roughly twice those in August.
- The proportion of total carbon (TC) in PM2.5 was higher in the rainy season, while the proportion of organic carbon (OC) to TC remained similar across seasons. TC exposure was higher in January.
Conclusions:
- Drivers in Bangkok face elevated PM exposure compared to the general environment, with levels varying by season and vehicle type.
- Carbonaceous components, likely originating from vehicle emissions, constitute the major fraction of PM2.5.
- The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce driver exposure to traffic-related air pollution.
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