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Traffic emission PM2.5 and health affect
PM2.5 is one of the most dangerous environmental health problems for human health systems. Due to its incredibly small size, PM2.5 is able to infiltrate deep into lungs as well as enter the bloodstream. Exposure to fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Health affects may include cardiovascular effects such as cardiac arrythmias and heart attacks, and respiratory effects such as asthma attacks and bronchitis. (Source: California Air Resource Board)
Contribution of on-road transportation to PM2.5
PM2.5 (Particulate Matter) mainly originates from combustion emissions. On-road transportation is considered one of the primary sources of PM2.5 emission particles. <Data soureces: Scientific Report https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-00862-x>
Non-exhaust emissions (NEE) from road traffic refers to particles released into the air from brake wear, tire wear, road surface wear and resuspension of road dust during on-road vehicle usage. These emissions arise regardless of the type of vehicle and its mode of power, and contribute to the total ambient particulate matter burden associated with human ill-heath and premature mortality. Data Source: AIR QUALITY EXPERT GROUP Prepared for: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Scottish Government; Welsh Government; and Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland.
Drivers on the road are frequently exposed to traffic-related fine dust (PM2.5) due to congested road traffic and urban density.
What level of PM2.5 is considered safe?
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Annual: 9 ㎍/㎥, Daily Average: 35 ㎍/㎥
PM2.5 is class 1 carcinogen according to WHP international for Research on Cancer.
PM2.5 Pollution - Allergy Triggers
Allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for traffic safety
There is very much a correlation between PM 2.5 and allergy. This is because the inflammation process that involves both the upper and lower parts of the respiratory system causes an allergic reaction of the respiratory system as well as the skin.
As you inhale the particles, the upper part of the respiratory system becomes first inflamed – for example, nasal allergy, sneezing, nasal mucus, blocked nose, and can spread further to cause to sinusitis. Then, as the particles are sucked deeper, they cause inflammation of the lower respiratory system that includes the trachea and alveoli.
Who is at the Greatest Risk from Exposure to Particulate Matter?
Research points to older adults with chronic heart or lung disease, children and asthmatics as the groups most likely to experience adverse health effects with exposure to PM10 and PM2.5. Also, children and infants are susceptible to harm from inhaling pollutants such as PM because they inhale more air per pound of body weight than do adults - they breathe faster, spend more time outdoors and have smaller body sizes. In addition, children's immature immune systems may cause them to be more susceptible to PM than healthy adults.
Can cabin filters effectively filter out PM2.5?
The highest filtration grade HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can theroretically filter out dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particle with a size of 0.3 microns. On the other hand, the particle size of PM2.5 is 0.1 to 2.5 microns in diameter. Base on IQAIR, "the particle size of UFP (Ultra fine particle) is smaller than 0.1 microns in diamter and about 90 percent of all airborne particles are this size". Therefore, the standard cabin filters found in most vehicles may not be an effective barrier to fine PM2.5 exhaust particles.
Cabin Air Sterilizer removes up to 99% of fine particles smaller than 0.1 microns in diameter.