Potential health impact of switching from car to public transportation when commuting to work.
We assessed humidity-corrected particulate matter (PM(2.5)) exposure and physical activity (using global positioning system monitors and diaries) among 18 people who commuted by car to Queens College, New York, New York, for 5 days, and then switched to commuting for the next 5 days via public transportation. The PM(2.5) differed little between car and public transportation commutes (1.41 μg/M(3)·min; P = .226). Commuting by public transportation rather than by car increased energy expenditure (+124 kcal/day; P < .001) equivalent to the loss of 1 pound of body fat per 6 weeks.
Center for the Biology of Natural Systems, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11365, USA. alfredo.morabia@qc.cuny.edu
Alfredo
A
Morabia
Franklin E
FE
Mirer
Tashia M
TM
Amstislavski
Holger M
HM
Eisl
Jordan
J
Werbe-Fuentes
John
J
Gorczynski
Chris
C
Goranson
Mary S
MS
Wolff
Steven B
SB
Markowitz
D000328:Adult; D001336:Automobiles; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009519:New York City; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D014186:Transportation / Q000379:methods*; D015431:Weight Loss; D014937:Work
D052638:Particulate Matter