Commuter PM exposure and estimated life-expectancy loss across multiple transportation modes in Xi’an, China

Commuters are reportedly exposed to severe traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) during their commuting trips. This study was designed and implemented to (1) compare particulate matter (PM) exposure across four common transportation modes; (2) examine and analyze various determining factors; and (3) estimate public health effects caused by commuting exposure to PM. All analyses and calculations were based on the experimental data collected from 13 volunteers, including heart-rate data on 336 commuting trips in four travel modes in Xi’an China. The results indicate highest PM exposure associated with cycling (average PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 of 114.35, 72.37 and 56.51 μg/m3, respectively), followed by riding transit buses (116.29, 67.60 and 51.12 μg/m3 for the same pollutants, respectively), then taking a taxi (97.61, 58.87 and 45.11 μg/m3), and the lowest exposure onboard subways (55.86, 46.20 and 40.20 μg/m3). A multivariable linear regression model was used to examine major influences on PM concentration variations, with results corroborating significant PM variance across commuting modes, which is also affected by background pollution concentration and relative humidity. Further, years of life expectancy (YLE) loss were estimated using an inhalation dose model together with the life table method: cycling commuters experienced the greatest YLE loss (5.51–6.43 months per capita for the studied age group). During severe pollution periods, substituting other modes (like subway) for cycling could effectively avoid acute exposure. PM2.5 levels in taxi cabins powered by CNG or methanol were comparatively lower, indicating that implementing alternative energy strategies could effectively lower traffic emissions and population exposure. •PM levels were higher when commuting by bus and cycling than taxi, and the lowest concentrations were found in subways.•There is an apparent pollution discrepancy between winter and summer due to winter heating in northern cities.•Taxis powered by clean energies like CNG experience lower PM exposure in the cabin than those powered with traditional fuels.•YLE loss caused by PM2.5 exposure on cyclists could reach an average per capita of 5.78 months.