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Wang S, Qin T, Tu R, Li T, Chen GI, Green DC, Zhang X, Feng J, Liu H, Hu M, Fu Q. Indoor air quality in subway microenvironments: Pollutant characteristics, adverse health impacts, and population inequity. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108873. [PMID: 39024827 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Rapidly increasing urbanization in recent decades has elevated the subway as the primary public transportation mode in metropolitan areas. Indoor air quality (IAQ) inside subways is an important factor that influences the health of commuters and subway workers. This review discusses the subway IAQ in different cities worldwide by comparing the sources and abundance of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in these environments. Factors that affect PM concentration and chemical composition were found to be associated with the subway internal structure, train frequency, passenger volume, and geographical location. Special attention was paid to air pollutants, such as transition metals, volatile/semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs), and bioaerosols, due to their potential roles in indoor chemistry and causing adverse health impacts. In addition, given that the IAQ of subway systems is a public health issue worldwide, we calculated the Gini coefficient of urban subway exposure via meta-analysis. A value of 0.56 showed a significant inequity among different cities. Developed regions with higher per capita income tend to have higher exposure. By reviewing the current advances and challenges in subway IAQ with a focus on indoor chemistry and health impacts, future research is proposed toward a sustainable urban transportation systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyao Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Tianchen Qin
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Ran Tu
- School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; The Key Laboratory of Transport Industry of Comprehensive Transportation Theory (Nanjing Modern Multimodal Transportation Laboratory), Nanjing, China.
| | - Tianyuan Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Gang I Chen
- Environmental Research Group, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - David C Green
- Environmental Research Group, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK; NIRH HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jialiang Feng
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Haobing Liu
- School of Transportation Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Ming Hu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai 200235, China
| | - Qingyan Fu
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China.
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Baboli Z, Hayati R, Mosavion K, Goudarzi M, Sadeghi-Nejad B, Ghanbari F, Maleki H, Yazdani M, Hayat Davoudi G, Goudarzi G. An evaluation of fungal contamination and its relationship with PM levels in public transportation systems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118901. [PMID: 38609068 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Transmission of fungi in the air and its impact on health are regarded as important public health issues. Bioaerosols play an important role in causing or exacerbating infectious diseases, acute toxic effects, allergies, and cardiopulmonary symptoms. As many people use the public transportation system daily, it is necessary to determine the type and manner of dispersal and abundance of airborne fungi in public transport places. Three public transportation systems including a bus station, a train station, and an airport in Ahvaz city (Iran) were examined. At each of these stations, the air samples were taken from inside and outside the hall stations, and in-vehicle. A bio-stage Anderson sampler was used by suctioning air and passing it over a Petri dish containing culture medium Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Relative humidity (RH, %), temperature (T, ◦C), and mass concentration of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, μg/m3) at the sampling points were measured. The highest concentration of airborne fungi was observed in the airport. The concentration of fungi in the ambient air was higher than that in the indoor air of halls and in-vehicle. In all sampling points, the ambient predominant airborne fungi were Cladosporium and Alternaria, while the indoor predominant airborne fungi were Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. The indoor to outdoor ratio showed that the fungi were of an external origin. Due to the influence of the ambient air on indoor air, it is recommended to use proper ventilation and enhance the hygiene level of vehicles in public transportation systems to reduce exposure to environmentally pathogenic bioaerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Baboli
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Hayati
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Kiana Mosavion
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahdis Goudarzi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Farshid Ghanbari
- Research Center for Environmental Contaminants (RCEC), Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Heydar Maleki
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Yazdani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Torbat Jam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jam, Iran
| | - Golnaz Hayat Davoudi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghoalmreza Goudarzi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Yang J, Fan X, Zhang H, Zheng W, Ye T. A review on characteristics and mitigation strategies of indoor air quality in underground subway stations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161781. [PMID: 36708828 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Due to the rapidly increasing ridership and the relatively enclosed underground space, the indoor air quality (IAQ) in underground subway stations (USSs) has attracted more public attention. The air pollutants in USSs, such as particulate matter (PM), CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are hazardous to the health of passengers and staves. Firstly, this paper presents a systematic review on the characteristics and sources of air pollutants in USSs. According to the review work, the concentrations of PM, CO2, VOCs, bacteria and fungi in USSs are 1.1-13.2 times higher than the permissible concentration limits specified by WHO, ASHRAE and US EPA. The PM and VOCs are mainly derived from the internal and outdoor sources. CO2 concentrations are highly correlated with the passenger density and the ventilation rate while the exposure levels of bacteria and fungi depend on the thermal conditions and the settled dust. Then, the online monitoring, fault detection and prediction methods of IAQ are summarized and the advantages and disadvantages of these methods are also discussed. In addition, the available control strategies for improving IAQ in USSs are reviewed, and these strategies are classified and compared from different viewpoints. Lastly, challenges of the IAQ management in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic and several suggestions for underground stations' IAQ management in the future are put forward. This paper is expected to provide a comprehensive guidance for further research and design of the effective prevention measures on air pollutants in USSs so as to achieve more sustainable and healthy underground environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbin Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Xianwang Fan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China; Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy (Tianjin University), Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin 300350, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for Digital Construction and Evaluation Technology of Urban Rail Transit, Tianjin 300000, PR China
| | - Wandong Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China; Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy (Tianjin University), Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin 300350, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for Digital Construction and Evaluation Technology of Urban Rail Transit, Tianjin 300000, PR China.
| | - Tianzhen Ye
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China; Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy (Tianjin University), Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin 300350, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for Digital Construction and Evaluation Technology of Urban Rail Transit, Tianjin 300000, PR China
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Nageen Y, Asemoloye MD, Põlme S, Wang X, Xu S, Ramteke PW, Pecoraro L. Analysis of culturable airborne fungi in outdoor environments in Tianjin, China. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:134. [PMID: 33932997 PMCID: PMC8088404 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal spores dispersed in the atmosphere may become cause of different pathological conditions and allergies for human beings. A number of studies have been performed to analyze the diversity of airborne fungi in different environments worldwide, and in particular in many urban areas in China. We investigated, for the first time, the diversity, concentration and distribution of airborne fungi in Tianjin city. We sampled 8 outdoor environments, using open plate method, during a whole winter season. Isolated fungi were identified by morphological and molecular analysis. Environmental factors which could influence the airborne fungi concentration (temperature, humidity, wind speed, and air pressure) were monitored and analyzed. The effect of different urban site functions (busy areas with high traffic flow and commercial activities vs. green areas) on airborne fungal diversity was also analyzed. Results A total of 560 fungal strains, belonging to 110 species and 49 genera of Ascomycota (80 %), Basidiomycota (18 %), and Mucoromycota (2 %) were isolated in this study. The dominant fungal genus was Alternaria (22 %), followed by Cladosporium (18.4 %), Naganishia (14.1 %), Fusarium (5.9 %), Phoma (4.11 %), and Didymella (4.8 %). A fungal concentration ranging from 0 to 3224.13 CFU m− 3 was recorded during the whole study. Permutational multivariate analysis showed that the month was the most influential factor for airborne fungal community structure, probably because it can be regarded as a proxy of environmental variables, followed by wind speed. The two analyzed environments (busy vs. green) had no detectable effect on the air fungal community, which could be related to the relatively small size of parks in Tianjin and/or to the study season. Conclusions Our study shed light on the highly diverse community of airborne fungi characterizing the outdoor environments of Tianjin, and clarified the role that different environmental factors played in shaping the analyzed fungal community. The dominant presence of fungi with potential hazardous effect on human health, such as Alternaria, Cladosporium and Naganishia, deserves further attention. Our results may represent a valuable source of information for air quality monitoring, microbial pollution control, and airborne diseases prevention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-021-02205-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumna Nageen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Michael Dare Asemoloye
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Sergei Põlme
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 14A Ravila, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Xiao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Shihan Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Pramod W Ramteke
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Mandsaur University, 458001, Mandsaur, India
| | - Lorenzo Pecoraro
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, 300072, Tianjin, China.
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Wu D, Zhang Y, Zhao C, Li A, Hou L, Tian Y, Xiong J, Gao R. Temporal variation of airborne fungi in university library rooms and its relation to environmental parameters and potential confounders. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:14068-14079. [PMID: 33205272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Indoor airborne fungi have been associated with adverse human health effects. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes of underlying variation in airborne fungi in indoor environments. This study consequently aimed to investigate the association between indoor fungi with temporal variation, environmental parameters, and potential confounders over 10 months in four library rooms using Andersen samplers. Indoor fungal concentrations peaked in October and were lowest in March in both stack rooms, whereas the highest concentrations in both reading rooms were observed in September with lowest concentrations in July. Nonparametric analyses revealed higher fungal concentrations in the rooms that were significantly associated with relative humidity ≥ 60%, PM2.5 ≥ 35 μg/m3, number of people ≥ 16, open windows, working air conditioners, and room area < 400 m2. Multiple linear regression modeling for the library building considering only continuous variables revealed that relative humidity, PM2.5, and the number of people were significant predictors of fungal concentrations. Additionally, the model with continuous and categorical variables suggested that relative humidity, PM2.5, the number of people, ceiling fan condition, window state, and air conditioner operating status were significant predictor variables of concentrations. Outdoor fungal concentrations were a significant predictor for the two models of indoor fungal concentrations for each room. Ceiling fan or air conditioner operation was associated with altered fungal particle concentrations. These results provide a deeper understanding of indoor air fungal quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingmeng Wu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenbo Zhao
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Angui Li
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li'an Hou
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Tian
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xiong
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Gao
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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Wen Y, Leng J, Shen X, Han G, Sun L, Yu F. Environmental and Health Effects of Ventilation in Subway Stations: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17031084. [PMID: 32046319 PMCID: PMC7037944 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17031084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Environmental health in subway stations, a typical type of urban underground space, is becoming increasingly important. Ventilation is the principal measure for optimizing the complex physical environment in a subway station. This paper narratively reviews the environmental and health effects of subway ventilation and discusses the relevant engineering, environmental, and medical aspects in combination. Ventilation exerts a notable dual effect on environmental health in a subway station. On the one hand, ventilation controls temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality to ensure human comfort and health. On the other hand, ventilation also carries the potential risks of spreading air pollutants or fire smoke through the complex wind environment as well as produces continuous noise. Assessment and management of health risks associated with subway ventilation is essential to attain a healthy subway environment. This, however, requires exposure, threshold data, and thereby necessitates more research into long-term effects, and toxicity as well as epidemiological studies. Additionally, more research is needed to further examine the design and maintenance of ventilation systems. An understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and aerodynamic characteristics of various pollutants can help formulate ventilation strategies to reduce pollutant concentrations. Moreover, current comprehensive underground space development affords a possibility for creating flexible spaces that optimize ventilation efficiency, acoustic comfort, and space perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Wen
- School of Architecture, Future Underground Space Institute, Southeast University, Nanjing 210019, Jiangsu, China; (Y.W.); (G.H.); (L.S.); (F.Y.)
| | - Jiawei Leng
- School of Architecture, Future Underground Space Institute, Southeast University, Nanjing 210019, Jiangsu, China; (Y.W.); (G.H.); (L.S.); (F.Y.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-025-83790760
| | - Xiaobing Shen
- School of Public Health, Station and Train Health Institute, Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210019, Jiangsu, China;
| | - Gang Han
- School of Architecture, Future Underground Space Institute, Southeast University, Nanjing 210019, Jiangsu, China; (Y.W.); (G.H.); (L.S.); (F.Y.)
| | - Lijun Sun
- School of Architecture, Future Underground Space Institute, Southeast University, Nanjing 210019, Jiangsu, China; (Y.W.); (G.H.); (L.S.); (F.Y.)
| | - Fei Yu
- School of Architecture, Future Underground Space Institute, Southeast University, Nanjing 210019, Jiangsu, China; (Y.W.); (G.H.); (L.S.); (F.Y.)
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Abbasi F, Samaei MR. The effect of temperature on airborne filamentous fungi in the indoor and outdoor space of a hospital. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:16868-16876. [PMID: 29299864 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0939-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Fungi are one of the bioaerosols in indoor air of hospitals. They have adverse effects on staff and patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three incubation temperature on the density and composition of airborne fungi in an indoor and outdoor space of hospital. Sabouraud dextrose agar was used for culture the fungi. For improvement of aseptic properties, chloramphenicol was added to this medium. The density of airborne fungi was less than 282 CFU/m3. The highest density was detected in emergency room and the lowest of them was in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and operation room (OR). Results showed that fungi levels at 25 °C were higher than 37 and 15 °C (p = 0.006). In addition, ten different genera of fungi were identified in all departments. The predominant fungi were Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Paecilomyces spp., and Aspergillus niger. Moreover, the density and trend of distribution of Fusaruim spp. in the indoor space was directivity to outdoor space by ventilation system. The present study has provided that incubation temperature had effect on airborne fungi remarkably. We are suggested that more studies would be conducted on incubation temperature and other ambient factors on airborne fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Abbasi
- Department of environmental health engineering, School of health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Samaei
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Characterization and Risk Assessment of Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds in Metro Carriage in Shanghai, China. ATMOSPHERE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos10060302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Air quality in transportation microenvironment has received widespread attention. In this study, the exposure levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) in Shanghai metro system were measured simultaneously, and their risks to human health under different driving conditions were then assessed. The results showed that VOCs, PM2.5 concentrations and life cancer risk (LCR) of four VOCs (benzene, formaldehyde, ethylbenzene, and acetaldehyde) in the old metro carriages were about 3 times, 3 times and 2 times higher than those in the new metro carriages, respectively. This difference can be ascribed to the fact that air filtration system in the new metro trains is significantly improved. The VOC levels, PM2.5 concentrations and LCR of VOCs on the above-ground track were slightly higher than those on the underground track. This is due to less outdoor polluted air entering into the carriage on the underground track. Number of passengers also had an effect on VOCs and PM2.5 concentrations in metro carriages. Additionally, the LCR of VOCs inside metro trains should not be ignored (7.69 × 10−6~1.47 × 10−5), especially inside old metro trains with the old ventilation system.
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