Indoor air quality and sick-building syndrome at a metro station in Tianjin, China

Zukun Wang ¹, Junjie Liu ¹, Mingyao Yao ¹

⁰Tianjin Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Environmental Quality Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.

Environment International +

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April 25, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Metro station air quality declines in winter, with high particulate matter (PM) and unacceptable chromium (Cr) risks. Improving PM control, especially on platforms during winter, is crucial for commuter and staff health.

Area Of Science

Environmental Science
Public Health
Urban Planning

Background

Metro stations are vital public transport hubs with high daily commuter volumes.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) in metro stations is critical for public health.
Previous research has not fully detailed seasonal IAQ variations and associated health risks in metro environments.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess indoor air quality (IAQ) and staff satisfaction in a metro station over two seasons.
To analyze the chemical composition of particulate matter (PM) and evaluate heavy metal health risks.
To identify specific factors contributing to poor air quality and health concerns in metro environments.

Main Methods

Conducted IAQ measurements, including CO2 concentrations and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM1) mass concentrations.
Analyzed the chemical composition of PM, focusing on heavy metals.
Assessed staff satisfaction and reported sick-building symptoms.
Evaluated health risks associated with heavy metal exposure, including carcinogenic risks.

Main Results

CO2 levels remained below 1000 ppm, indicating sufficient air exchange.
Staff reporting no sick-building symptoms significantly decreased from 83% in spring to 25% in winter.
Elevated PM2.5 (68.0 ± 42.2 μg/m3) and PM1 (51.8 ± 33.3 μg/m3) concentrations were observed on platforms in winter.
PM2.5 showed higher metal content in winter compared to spring, linked to increased particle emission due to lower humidity and higher wheel-rail friction.
Carcinogenic risk from chromium (Cr) on platforms was deemed unacceptable, and barium (Ba) health risks require further investigation.

Conclusions

Winter conditions exacerbate air quality issues in metro stations, particularly concerning particulate matter.
Elevated heavy metal concentrations, such as chromium, pose significant health risks to commuters and staff.
Targeted PM control strategies, especially for platform areas during winter, are essential for mitigating health risks in metro environments.

Keywords:

Indoor air quality PM pollution Platform Sick building syndrome

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