In-Cabin Air Quality during Driving and Engine Idling in Air-Conditioned Private Vehicles in Hong Kong

Natasha Maria Barnes, Tsz Wai Ng, Kwok Keung Ma and Ka Man Lai
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Natasha Maria Barnes: Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
Tsz Wai Ng: Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
Kwok Keung Ma: Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
Ka Man Lai: Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-13

Abstract: Many people spend lengthy periods each day in enclosed vehicles in Hong Kong. However, comparably limited data is available about in-cabin air quality in air-conditioned private vehicles, and the car usage that may affect the air quality. Fifty-one vehicles were tested for particulate matter (PM 0.3 and PM 2.5 ), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), airborne bacteria, and fungi levels during their routine travel journey. Ten of these vehicles were further examined for PM 0.3 , PM 2.5 , TVOCs, CO, and CO 2 during engine idling. In general, during driving PM 2.5 levels in-cabin reduced overtime, but not PM 0.3 . For TVOCs, 24% vehicles exceeded the recommended Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) level in offices and public places set by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department. The total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) concentration positively correlated with the age of the vehicle. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels in all of the vehicles were lower than the IAQ recommendation, while 96% vehicles exceeded the recommended CO 2 level of 1000 ppmv; 16% vehicles >5000 ppmv. Microbial counts were relatively low. TVOCs levels at idle engine were higher than that during driving. Although the time we spend in vehicles is short, the potential exposure to high levels of pollutants should not be overlooked.

Keywords: in-cabin air quality; air-conditioned vehicles; idle engine; volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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