ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE TO TRAFFIC-RELATED FUMES DURING THE JOURNEY TOWORK

A pilot study was carried out to assess the levels of traffic related pollution individuals are exposed to while using different modes of tr ansport on a typical journey to work route. This was carried out durin g the daily journey to work, and compared train, bus, car and bicycle (the latter both on the road and on an exclusive cycle path). The proj ect monitored for benzene and inhalable particulates in September and October 1996. The car driver's exposure was on all occasions the highe st for benzene and the first or second highest for particulates compar ed to the other modes. The cyclists on the cycle path had in most case s the lowest or second lowest exposure to both pollutants. The road mo des of transport always had the highest exposures to benzene. The cycl ists on the road were exposed to significantly greater levels of both benzene and particulates than the cyclists on the path. There was larg e daily variation in levels of pollution exposure. This correlated wit h wind speed-the lower the wind speed the higher the levels of polluti on. Based on the results of this pilot study tentative policy recommen dations can be made. Public awareness should be raised concerning the potential pollution exposures by transport mode. Public transport shou ld be promoted on the basis of low personal pollution exposure. To red uce cyclists' pollution exposure, cycle paths should, wherever possibl e, be located away from main roads. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.