Carbon monoxide exposure inside UK road vehicles: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas posing significant public health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like pregnant women, fetuses, and children.
• Chronic low-level CO exposure effects are documented, but its prevalence within vehicle cabins in the UK remains under-examined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and levels of carbon monoxide (CO) within the passenger cabins of vehicles in the UK.
• To identify potential sources of CO exposure in vehicles and assess correlations with factors like vehicle age.

Main Methods:

• CO levels were sampled from 33 vehicles driven by 28 members of the public for various uses, excluding vehicles with smokers.
• Measurements included average and peak CO concentrations (ppm) over multiple journeys.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify correlations between CO levels and vehicle age.

Main Results:

• 20 out of 33 vehicles (60.6%) recorded non-zero CO levels at least once.
• Four vehicles exceeded the WHO target limit for average CO (3.49 ppm), and 13 exceeded it for peak CO.
• A significant positive correlation was found between vehicle age and in-cabin CO levels, with some patterns suggesting internal fume leakage.

Conclusions:

• Vehicle occupants in the UK may be exposed to hazardous levels of CO due to potential exhaust system leaks.
• The findings warrant further investigation to inform public health policy and interventions regarding in-vehicle CO exposure.