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Evaluation of Street-level Carbon Monoxide Levels in the U.S.

Abstract No:

1625 

Abstract Type:

Professional Poster 

Authors:

E Goswami1

Institutions:

1Exponent, Oakland, CA

Presenter:

Emily Goswami, MS, CIH  
Exponent

Description:

This poster is a review of the available published literature and agency reports that provide street-level CO measurements. In addition, we evaluated real-time CO levels at busy intersections in various U.S. locations. These exposure levels are relevant to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle occupants as well as workers such as street vendors, drivers, and other workers who may spend significant time near areas with heavy traffic.

Situation / Problem:

Carbon monoxide (CO) levels are routinely monitored in the U.S. at agency monitoring stations, however, these stations are purposely located away from sources and at elevations above breathing zone height. The location and placement of these monitoring stations limit the applicability of measured CO to estimate personal exposures. There are few published studies reporting street-level CO in the U.S.

Methods:

We provide a review of the available published literature and agency reports that provide street level CO measurements. In addition, we evaluate real-time CO levels at busy intersections in various U.S. locations using a ToxiRAE portable CO gas monitor. The distribution of measurements for each location will be compared to those reported in the literature.

Results / Conclusions:

The exposure levels reported in the studies reviewed and the exposure levels we measured at various locations are relevant to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle occupants as well as workers such as street vendors, drivers, and other workers who may spend significant time near areas with heavy traffic. They can be used to estimate exposures and/or compared to other CO exposures for context.

Primary Topic:

Exposure Assessment Strategies

Secondary Topics:

Exposure Assessment Strategies

Co-Authors

Please add your co-authors below. Co-authors are listed for professional courtesy and will not be communicated with regarding the decision notification or any on-site logistics, if accepted. Only the primary presenter listed is expected to attend and present the content on-site.

Eric D. Winegar, Ph.D.
Nelson D. Pace, Ph.D.
Renee M. Kalmes, MSPH, CIH

Acknowledgements and References

List any additional people who worked on the project or provided guidance and support along with details on the role they played in the research. (Please include first name, last name, organization, city, state and country).

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Practical Application

How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?

The results of this evaluation can help IH professionals evaluate CO exposures in the context of every day exposures, as well as estimate exposures to those that work near busy streets.

Learning Level

What learning level is the presentation content geared towards?

Competent - can perform to basic standards; has a thorough understanding of the content area but limited practical/work experience in the application of the content/concepts.