Investigating the exposure of taxi and bus drivers in Rasht to PM_۱۰and PM_۲.۵

Urban air pollution poses significant health risks, particularly for individuals with prolonged exposure to traffic-related emissions. This study aimed to assess the concentration and distribution of PM۱۰ and PM۲.۵ particulate matter among taxi and bus drivers in Rasht, Iran, and to identify key environmental and occupational predictors of exposure. A cross-sectional observational design was employed, involving ۱۲۰ drivers (۶۰ taxi, ۶۰ bus) selected through stratified random sampling across high-traffic urban zones. Real-time measurements of PM۱۰ and PM۲.۵ were collected using portable air quality monitors installed in vehicle cabins, supplemented by GPS tracking and meteorological data. Descriptive statistics revealed that bus drivers experienced higher mean concentrations of PM۱۰ (۹۷.۸ µg/m³) and PM۲.۵ (۷۴.۳ µg/m³) compared to taxi drivers (PM۱۰: ۸۴.۲ µg/m³; PM۲.۵: ۶۲.۵ µg/m³). One-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in exposure across urban zones, with central districts showing the highest particulate levels (p < ۰.۰۱). Multivariate regression analysis identified traffic density as the strongest positive predictor of PM exposure, while effective cabin ventilation and favorable meteorological conditions were associated with reduced concentrations. These findings underscore the occupational vulnerability of urban transport workers and highlight the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include retrofitting vehicles with high-efficiency filtration systems, optimizing traffic flow, and implementing exposure monitoring programs in high-risk zones. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting localized air quality management and occupational health protections in urban environments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Drivers ، Environmental Health Monitoring ، OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE ، Particulate Matter ، Rasht ، Urban air pollution