Commuters using public transport could be exposed to as much as eight times more pollution than those who travel by car, a groundbreaking study has suggested.
London commuters wore air pollution monitors as they travelled, revealing those using the Underground had the highest concentrations of polluting particles followed by buses, with a much lower concentrations in cars.
People using public transport were exposed to more pollution than car commuters because they spent time waiting at bus stops and stations, walking along busy roads and from the particulates on the deep Underground tunnels.
Dr Prashant Kumar from the University of Surrey, who led the study, said: ‘We found that there is definitely an element of environmental injustice among those commuting in London, with those who create the most pollution having the least exposure to it.
Dr Kumar added: ‘There is an interesting trade-off of pollution exposure between different modes of transport. For example, commuters travelling to work on Underground trains are exposed to the highest levels of large-sized particles while being exposed to the highest level of black carbon and ultrafine particles during commute in buses.
‘The relatively new airtight trains with closed windows showed a significant difference to the levels of particles people are exposed to over time, suggesting that operators should consider this aspect during any upgrade of Underground trains, along with the ways to improve ventilation in underground tunnels.’
The study found passengers on the Underground’s District Line Air pollution has been linked with 40,000 premature deaths a year in Britain, with diesel vehicles contributing significantly to the problem by producing high levels of particulates and toxic nitrogen oxides.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
