Exposição a partículas atmosféricas e dose inalada em movimentos pendulares em Lisboa

While commutin air png individuals are exposed to high concentrations of urbaollutants that can lead to adverse health effects. This study aims to assess commuters’ exposure to particulate matter (PM) in cars, bicycles and metro in Lisbon. Mass concentrations of particles with aerodynamic diameter (DA) smaller than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and 10 µm (PM10), black carbon (BC) and number concentrations of particles with DA from 0.01 to 1 µm (PN0.01-1) were measured in a route that is representative of the daily commutes in Lisbon. Measurements were performed over 18 days in a total of five times a day (8h, 10h30, 13h, 18h and 20h). The inhaled dose associated to each mode of transport was also accessed. The highest PM2.5 and PM10 average concentrations were observed in the metro. On the other hand, the highest BC and PN0.01-1 average concentrations were found in car and bicycle journeys, respectively. The outdoor concentrations and the type of ventilation appeared to affect the concentrations inside cars. In fact, the use of ventilation led to a decrease of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations and to an increase of BC concentrations inside cars. The highest inhaled dose was observed in bicycle journeys, due to longer travel periods combined with enhanced physical activity and, consequently, higher breathing rates. This study is part of the Project LIFE Index-Air whose objective is to create a tool to support the decision makers by identifying measures that improve air quality, well-being and human health.

Type of publication: Master Thesis of the Integrated Master in Environmental Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.