PERSONAL EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT OF FINE PARTICULATE MATTER FOR COMMUTERS IN HANOI
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Abstract
Epidemiological studies showed that commuters exposed fine particles (PM2.5) have adverse health effects and cause diseases. Comprehensive personal exposure studies have been limited in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess the exposure of PM2.5 to motorcyclists and cyclists on some roads in Hanoi. Personal exposure samples were taken by the Airbeam sensor. Preliminary results showed that the exposure concentration of PM2.5 for cyclists (105 µg/m3) was higher than for motorcyclists (95 µg/m3) and level of PM2.5 in ambient air (34 µg/m3). Influencing factors were also assessed in this study. PM2.5 exposure concentration was the highest in the morning and decreased at noon and in the afternoon for both types of vehicles. Exposure concentrations of PM2.5 highly fluctuated during peak hours. The bicyclists were at higher risk than the motorcyclists due to higher inhalation dose. The findings provide initial warnings about the health impacts to commuters to the managers to give timely interventions.
