Odour and indoor air quality hazards in railway cars: an Australian mixed methods case study

Author:

Chandra ShaneelORCID,Bricknell LisaORCID,Makiela Sandrine,Bruce SherieORCID,Naweed AnjumORCID

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This case study aimed to diagnose the cause(s) of a seasonal, and objectionable odour reported by travellers and drivers in the railway cars of Australian passenger trains. The research questions were to: (1) identify whether significant microbial colonisation was present within the air handling system of trains and causing the odours; to (2) identify other potential sources and; (3) remedial options for addressing the issue. Methods A mixed-methods, action research design was used adopted. Sections of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems from odour-affected trains were swabbed for bacteria and fungi and examined for evidence of wear, fatigue and damage on-site and off-site. Insulation foam material extracted from the walls of affected trains was also subjected to a chemical assessment following exposure to varying humidity and temperature conditions in a climate simulator. This was accompanied by a qualitative sensory characterisation. Results Upon exposure to a variety of simulated temperature and humidity combinations to recreate the odour, volatile chemical compounds released from the insulation foam by water were identified as its likely cause. In addition, a range of potentially serious pathogenic and odour-causing microbes were cultured from the HVAC systems, although it is considered unlikely that bacterial colonies were the odour source. Conclusion The research has implications for the sanitising and maintenance policies for HVAC systems on public transport, especially when operating in humid environments. The sanitary imposition, especially in the wake of COVID-19 may be required to ensure the safety of the travelling public and drivers.

Funder

Central Queensland University

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Reference73 articles.

1. Kim KH, Kim SH, Jung YR, Kim MG. Evaluation of malodor for automobile air conditioner evaporator by using laboratory-scale test cooling bench. J Chromatogr A. 2008;1204(1):72–80.

2. Sakakibara K, Kaitani K, Hamada C, Sato S, Matsuo M. Analysis of odor in car cabin. J Soc Automot Eng Rev. 1999;20(2):237–41.

3. Spengler JD, Samet JM, McCarthy JF. Indoor air quality handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill: McGraw-Hill’s AccessEngineering; 2001.

4. Hugenholtz P, Fuerst JA. Heterotrophic bacteria in an air-handling system. Appl Environ Microbiol. 1992;58:3914–20.

5. Ford. Climate Control- musty or mildew type odor from climate control system- escape 2001–2003, in Technical Service Bulletin. Ford Motor Company; 2003.

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3