According to recent research from Leicester, persons who drive to work may be exposed to higher levels of hazardous gases than those who commute by walking or cycling.
Active Commuters Experience Better Air Quality than Car Drivers
The study was carried out by University of Leicester academics in collaboration with Leicester City Council, and it was released in the Journal of Transport & Health, as cited by Phys.org
Researchers discovered that weekday morning commuters commuting by automobile had greater in-cabin levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) than their counterparts going by bike or foot.
NO2 is a major indication of air quality and is detrimental to people when breathed in.
However, it was discovered that drivers had a somewhat lower concentration of small particulate matter (PM2.5).
To evaluate the amounts of NO2 and PM2.5, researchers used backpack-mounted air quality sensors to collect data on four typical routes taken by commuters in Leicester between the suburbs and the city center.
The Nissan Leaf electric car's cabin also had the same gadgets installed.
To measure driver exposure to contaminants without the car's exhaust interfering, an electric vehicle was employed.
According to their research, NO2 concentrations in automobile cabins-even those of electric cars-can be higher than those by the side of the road where people are walking and bicycling.
Pollen filters, for example, can remove some PM2.5, so PM2.5 levels in automobile cabins may be a little lower than outside on the street, but NO2 can be sucked directly into the cabin from the exhaust of oncoming traffic.
This will change when more electric vehicles are used, but it offers proof of the advantages of stepping out of a car and cycling or walking instead.
The study's lead author, Dr. Rikesh Panchal, is a Research Associate at the University of Leicester's Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability.
According to him, anecdotal evidence on the public's perceptions of air quality during travel, gathered by Leicester City Council, revealed that people perceived exposure to dangerous pollutants was higher for active commuters than for automobile occupants.
However, the study's findings indicated that commuting by car in congested cities can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants for those inside the car than for walkers or cyclists doing the same trip, and this increased exposure can harm health.
Additionally, walking and cycling provide well-known health benefits; therefore, rules and incentives that encourage drivers to ditch their cars and switch to active transportation would improve both the environment's overall air quality and the health of commuters in many ways.
Also Read: Here's How You Can Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution While Cycling, Walking
Why Walking and Cycling are Better for People and the Environment
Motorized vehicle transportation contributes to air pollution by burning fuels.
It contains carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (CO2), as per Sustrans.
On both human health and the health of the planet, these factors have an effect.
For instance, CO2 causes the atmosphere to retain heat. It becomes more difficult for people to have a healthy and happy life as the climate warms.
People can lessen air pollution by opting to travel by foot or bicycle rather than by car.
Authority shall require more traffic-free zones if more people choose to bike or walk.
Additionally, many of these will be green areas, areas with vegetation, animals, and trees.
The removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by trees and other plants is crucial for the environment.
Thus, they improve clean air and lower our carbon emission levels.
In addition to being excellent for the environment, improved air quality and green, open areas are also beneficial to our mental and physical health.
The Covid-19 pandemic has made it more crucial than ever to have access to nature and to be able to roam around town safely.
A rise in demand allows local governments to redesign our cities and towns for the community's health and safety.
More of our short trips can be made by walking or cycling, which helps to preserve biodiversity.
It produces less noise, less air pollution, and fewer pollutants that contribute to climate change.
By emphasizing the value of our green spaces to local populations as well as to plants and wildlife, we can promote their protection.
This will reduce the likelihood that these areas will be used for brand-new roads and motorized transportation links.
Related Article: Walking, Cycling to Office Increases Psychological Wellbeing