Driver and passenger exposure to aerosol particles in buses and trams in Helsinki, Finland

This study investigates commuter and driver exposure to aerosol particles in buses and trams in Helsinki, Finland. Particle number and PM2.5 concentrations were determined in the cabin and the driver's compartment. In addition, the < 2.5 µm black carbon concentration was measured in the driver's compartment and PM2.5 was collected for elemental analysis in the cabin. The measurements were repeated on two generations of buses and trams including two measurement days in each vehicle type. Fine particle number and mass concentrations in the driver's compartments were only slightly increased compared to Helsinki background air. Daily average ratios of number and mass to the background varied in range 0.8–4.3 and 1.0–2.9, respectively, both being the highest in the older bus type. However, the drivers were exposed to elevated levels of black carbon, which some studies have addressed to be strongly correlated with adverse health effects. The daily average ratio of black carbon to the background varied between 2.4 and 11.4. Additionally, the black carbon concentration had spatial variation. The drivers were exposed to higher peak concentrations of black carbon in downtown area. Particle concentrations were smaller in the driver's compartment than in the cabin. The newer technology in the newer model of the tram and bus seemed to decrease driver exposure to aerosol particles.