AAAR 31st Annual Conference
October 8-12, 2012
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Abstract View
Spatiotemporal Assessment of Fine Particle Exposures During Commuting Activities
KIRSTEN KOEHLER, Jennifer Peel, Maggie Clark, Stuart Amy, John Volckens, Colorado State University
Abstract Number: 542 Working Group: Aerosol Exposure
Abstract Commuting generally accounts for a small fraction of an individual’s daily time, yet it can represent a large fraction of daily exposure to air pollutants, due to the high concentrations of traffic-related pollutants found near roadways. We developed a multi-pollutant, spatiotemporal exposure assessment method to provide continuous (10-second resolution) estimation of personal exposure. A lightweight backpack contained direct-reading monitors for airborne PM2.5 particle mass, PM2.5 black carbon, and carbon monoxide concentrations. By pairing the exposure monitors with a GPS receiver to track location, we were able to determine when and where exposure takes place. Fifty participants carried the backpack for 24 hours during their daily activities, including commuting. This study was the first to allow participants to choose their mode of commute (bicycle or car) and their route. Participants wore data-logging, personal heart rate monitors to estimate their respiration rate. Pollutant data and GPS coordinates were downloaded into a geographic information system and processed to define a personal exposure track, from which the commutes were extracted. A spatiotemporal exposure map showing “hot spots” for air pollution was developed. Bicyclists often spend a longer time commuting, are in closer proximity to vehicle exhaust, and have a higher respiration rate than drivers, leading to increased cumulative intake of traffic-related air pollutants. Our results suggest that this method can be used to assess short duration, but high intensity exposures experienced during commuting.