Breath Biomarkers to Measure Uptake of Volatile Organic Compounds by Bicyclists

Abstract

Breath biomarkers were used to study uptake of traffic-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from urban bicycling. Breath analysis was selected because it is one of the least invasive methods to assess urban traveler exposure. Research hurdles that were overcome included considering that factors other than on-road exposure can influence concentrations in the body, and absorbed doses during a trip can be small compared to baseline body burdens. Pre-trip, on-road, and post-trip breath concentrations and ambient air concentrations were determined for 26 VOCs for bicyclists traveling on different path types. Statistical analyses of the concentration data identified eight monoaromatic hydrocarbons potentially useful as breath biomarkers to compare differences in body levels brought about by urban travel choices. Breath concentrations of the biomarker compounds were significantly higher than background levels after riding on high-traffic arterial streets and on a path through a high-exposure industrial area, but not after riding on low-traffic local streets or on other off-street paths. Modeled effects of high-traffic streets on ambient concentrations were 100-200% larger than those of low-traffic streets; modeled effects of high-traffic streets on breath concentrations were 40-100% larger than those of low-traffic streets. Similar percentage increases in breath concentrations are expected for bicyclists in other cities.

A Context-Aware E-Bike System to Reduce Pollution Inhalation While Cycling

“…The longer duration of the cycling trip also increased the inhaled doses. Recent Bigazzi's studies [17,18] aimed to determine (i) biomarkers that could be used to assess a cyclist's uptake of pollutants in urban environment, and (ii) optimal cycling speeds to minimize a cyclist's inhalation of those biomarkers. The work in [17] aimed to determine a way to assess the inhalation of harmful pollutants by cyclists for trips through different kinds of areas.…”

“…Recent Bigazzi's studies [17,18] aimed to determine (i) biomarkers that could be used to assess a cyclist's uptake of pollutants in urban environment, and (ii) optimal cycling speeds to minimize a cyclist's inhalation of those biomarkers. The work in [17] aimed to determine a way to assess the inhalation of harmful pollutants by cyclists for trips through different kinds of areas. The study identified 26 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as CFCs, benzene, styrene and carbon disulfide, and compared the amounts of these compounds that were present in ambient air with the amounts that were present in a cyclist's breath after cycling through a given area.…”

Low-Cost Quantitation of Multiple Volatile Organic Compounds in Air Using Solid-Phase Microextraction

“…Analytes of interest were chosen according to the literature review of VOCs determination in ambient air in different cities [28][29][30][31][32][33] and previous studies of compounds detected in the exhausts of six arbitrarily chosen cars of different models and production years [27]. Chosen analytes belong to several classes of pollutants having various physicochemical properties (Table S1 in Supplementary Materials).…”

Development of Organic Gas Sensor Using Quartz Crystal Microbalance Coated with Plasma-polymerized Films

“…(2)(3)(4) VOCs are a concern because they give rise to the generation of photochemical oxidants and suspended particulate matter that damage humans and plants. (5) Also, VOCs have been reported to cause health problems such as carcinogenesis after longterm exposure; thus, countermeasures are required. (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12) If we can constantly monitor the types and concentrations of VOCs used in manufacturing processes and laboratories, we can maintain a safe work environment.…”