Estimation of occupational and nonoccupational nitrogen dioxide exposure for Korean taxi drivers using a microenvironmental model

Son, B; Yang, W; Breysse, P; Chung, T; Lee, Y

HERO ID

89518

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2004

Language

English

PMID

15016597

HERO ID 89518
In Press No
Year 2004
Title Estimation of occupational and nonoccupational nitrogen dioxide exposure for Korean taxi drivers using a microenvironmental model
Authors Son, B; Yang, W; Breysse, P; Chung, T; Lee, Y
Journal Environmental Research
Volume 94
Issue 3
Page Numbers 291-296
Abstract #Occupational and nonoccupational personal nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposures were measured using passive samplers for 31 taxi drivers in Asan and Chunan, Korea. Exposures were also estimated using a microenvironmental time-weighted average model based on indoor, outdoor and inside the taxi area measurements. Mean NO2 indoor and outdoor concentrations inside and outside the taxi drivers' houses were 24.7+/-10.7 and 23.3+/-8.3 ppb, respectively, with a mean indoor to outdoor NO2 ratio of 1.1. Mean personal NO2 exposure of taxi drivers was 30.3+/-9.7 ppb. Personal NO2 exposures for drivers were more strongly correlated with interior vehicle NO2 levels (r = 0.89) rather than indoor residential NO2 levels (r = 0.74) or outdoor NO2 levels (r = 0.71). The main source of NO2 exposure for taxi drivers was considered to be occupational driving. Interestingly, the NO2 exposures for drivers' using LPG-fueled vehicles (26.3+/-1.3 ppb) were significantly lower than those (38.1+/-1.3 ppb) using diesel-fueled vehicle (P <0.01). Since drivers spent most of their time inside their vehicle and indoors at home, a microenvironmental model was used to estimate the personal NO2 exposure with indoor and outdoor NO2 levels of the residence, and interior vehicle NO2 levels (P <0.001). Some subpopulations, such as professional drivers, might be exposed to high NO2 levels because they drive diesel-using vehicles outdoors in Korea.
Doi 10.1016/j.envres.2003.08.004
Pmid 15016597
Wosid WOS:000220349600010
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments ECRIB.Environ. Res. 94: 291-296.
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword taxi driver; nitrogen dioxide; passive sampler; exposure; microenvironmental model
Is Qa No