Particulate Matter Exposures under Five Different Transportation Modes during Spring Festival Travel Rush in China

Abstract

Serious traffic-related pollution and high population density during the spring festival (Chinese new year) travel rush (SFTR) increases the travelers’ exposure risk to pollutants and biohazards. This study investigates personal exposure to particulate matter (PM) mass concentration when commuting in five transportation modes during and after the 2020 SFTR: China railway high-speed train (CRH train), subway, bus, car, and walking. The routes are selected between Nanjing and Xuzhou, two major transportation hubs in the Yangtze Delta. The results indicate that personal exposure levels to PM on the CRH train are the lowest and relatively stable, and so it is recommended to take the CRH train back home during the SFTR to reduce the personal PM exposure. The exposure level to PM2.5 during SFTR is twice as high as the average level of Asia, and it is higher than the WHO air quality guideline (AQG).