Gordon Research Institute

School of Advanced Nutritional and Medical Research

By Corinne Purtill
March 1, 2007

You already know your commute makes you cranky. Turns out it could also make you sick.

The bulk of the ultrafine particle pollution you're exposed to each day is inhaled on your way to and from work, according to a report released Wednesday by the Clean Air Task Force, a Boston-based advocacy group. Though commuting is only a tiny slice of the day -- the average one-way commute in the Valley is 23 1/2 minutes -- it packs a powerful pollution punch. Concentrations of the ultrafine particles emitted by diesel vehicles are four to eight times higher inside a car, bus or train than in open air, the report said. Particles can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Cars directly behind diesel trucks have higher concentrations of pollution inside than those traveling on routes less frequented by trucks. Central Phoenix resident Coby Livingstone and her guide dog Betsy ride the bus each day to and from work in south Phoenix. Although the hourlong trip irritates her eyes, "you've just got to do what you've got to do, so you put up with it." Read the report The study of four major U.S. cities is at www.catf.us/goto/noescape.

Health effects Exposure to the fine particles emitted by combustion has been linked to:
* Asthma attacks and respiratory infections.
* Reduced lung function in children.
* Increased circulation and cardiovascular problems for diabetics.
* Stroke.
* Lung cancer.
* Premature death.

Clean Air Task Force
What to do To reduce your exposure to pollution on your commute:
* Keep your windows closed.
* Close the outside vents.
* Choose routes with less truck traffic.
* See if your employer offers compressed workweeks or telecommuting opportunities.

What's next? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring all gas stations to phase in a new type of diesel with 97 percent less sulfur. New heavy trucks must be fitted with particulate traps to reduce emissions. The combination of ultralow sulfur diesel and tailpipe filters is expected to reduce pollution from large vehicles by 90 percent.