Natural variability in exposure to fine particles and their trace elements during typical workdays in an urban area

Studies on the natural human exposures to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and their elements composition are practically non-existent in South America. In order to understand the natural exposure of the typical Brazilian population to PM₂.₅ and their trace element composition, the authors measured PM₂.₅ concentrations and collected mass on filters for nine continuous hours during a typical workday of volunteers. In addition, bus routes were performed at peak and non-peak periods, mimicking the routine activity of the population. Mean concentrations of PM₂.₅ in the bus and car groups were similar while the fraction of BCe was higher for the bus group. For all routes, mean PM₂.₅ concentrations were higher during peak than non-peak hours, with an average of 43.5 ± 33.1 μg m−³ and 14.3 ± 10.2 μg m−³, respectively. The trace elements S, K and Na originated mainly from vehicle emissions; Na was associated with the presence of biofuel in diesel. Toxic elements (Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn) were found at low levels as evident by the total hazard index that ranged from 2.15 × 10−⁰³ to 1.38 for volunteers. For all routes, the hazard index ranged from 2.25 × 10−03 to 5.03. Average PM₂.₅ respiratory deposition dose was estimated to be 0.60 μg/kg-hour for peak hours. Potential health damages to people during their movements and at workplaces close to the traffic were identified. Improvements in the design of the building to reduce the entrance of air pollutants as well as the use of filters in the buses could help to limit population exposure.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2018.06.010
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1361920917308362
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13619209
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Moreira, Camila A B
  • Squizzato, Rafaela
  • Beal, Alexandra
  • de Almeida, Daniela Sanches
  • Rudke, Anderson P
  • Ribeiro, Marcos
  • 0000-0001-6355-9168
  • Andrade, Maria de Fátima
  • Kumar, Prashant
  • 0000-0002-4169-5262
  • Martins, Leila Droprinchinski
• Publication Date: 2018-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 333-346
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
  • Volume: 63
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 1361-9209
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13619209

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Buses; Carbon black; Health hazards; Particles; Respiratory system; Routes; Trace elements; Urban areas
• Uncontrolled Terms: Exposure (Pollutants)
• Geographic Terms: South America
• Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01680515
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 17 2018 10:32AM