Perception and reality of particulate matter exposure in New York City taxi drivers

Abstract

Background Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) have been linked to negative health risks, but exposure among professional taxi drivers is unknown. This study measured drivers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) about air pollution compared to direct measures of exposures. Methods Roadside and in-vehicle levels of PM2.5 and BC were continuously measured over a single shift and compared to central site monitoring. Participants completed an air pollution KAB questionnaire. Results Taxicab PM2.5 and BC concentrations were elevated compared to central monitoring. Average PM2.5 concentrations per 15-minute interval were 4 - 49 μg/m3; 1-minute peaks measured up to 452 μg/m3. BC levels were also elevated; reaching > 10 μg/m3. 56 of 100 drivers surveyed believed they were more exposed than non-drivers; 81 believed air pollution causes health problems. Conclusions Air pollution exposure among drivers likely exceeds EPA recommendations. Future studies should focus on reducing exposures and increasing awareness among taxi drivers.

Risk Perception of Air Pollution: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter Exposure

“…In five articles, measured pollution was not correlated with perception [ 43 , 48 , 56 , 71 , 73 ]. In the study by Ueberham et al [ 43 ], cyclists were not aware of a risk posed by air pollution.…”

Cross‐sectional study of in‐vehicle exposure to ultrafine particles and black carbon inside Lebanese taxicabs

“…17 Therefore, this novel pilot study aimed to measure, for the first time in Lebanon, taxi drivers' exposure to UFP and BC inside their vehicles and to identify its determinants, which so far have been poorly documented. [18][19][20][21]…”

“…They spend long hours of their working on roadways, which unsurprisingly increases their exposure to TRAP 17 . Therefore, this novel pilot study aimed to measure, for the first time in Lebanon, taxi drivers’ exposure to UFP and BC inside their vehicles and to identify its determinants, which so far have been poorly documented 18‐21 …”

Discrimination as a social determinant of stress and health among New York City taxi drivers

“…Taxi drivers are at a higher risk for chronic diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease (Chen et al, 2005; Elshatarat and Burgel, 2016; Kurosaka et al, 2000), cancer (Hansen et al, 1998), diabetes (Lim and Chia, 2015), fatigue (Lim and Chia, 2015), compromised immune function (Nakano et al, 1998), and pain (Chen et al, 2004). Given that they may also have lower rates of health insurance than the general population (Gany et al, 2016b), taxi drivers in metropolitan cities, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City, are particularly vulnerable populations with regard to health status (Apantaku-Onayemi et al, 2012; Blasi and Leavitt, 2006; Burgel et al, 2012).…”