title: Perception and reality of particulate matter exposure in New York City taxi drivers.
abstract: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) have been linked to negative health risks, but exposure among professional taxi drivers is understudied. This pilot study measured drivers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) about air pollution compared with direct measures of exposures. Roadside and in-vehicle levels of PM2.5and BC were continuously measured over a single shift on each subject, and exposures compared with central site monitoring. One hundred drivers completed an air pollution KAB questionnaire, and seven taxicabs participated in preliminary in-cab air sampling. Taxicab PM2.5and BC concentrations were elevated compared with nearby central monitoring. Average PM2.5concentrations per 15-min interval were 4-49 μg/m3. BC levels were also elevated; reaching>10 μg/m3. Fifty-six of the 100 drivers surveyed believed they were more exposed than non-drivers; 81 believed air pollution causes health problems. Air pollution exposures recorded suggest that driver exposures would likely exceed EPA recommendations if experienced for 24 h. Surveys indicated that driver awareness of this was limited. Future studies should focus on reducing exposures and increasing awareness among taxi drivers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service, New York, New York, USA.|Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service, New York, New York, USA.|Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gany
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Sehrish
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bari
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Lakshmi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service, New York, New York, USA.|Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service, New York, New York, USA.|Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Leng
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Trevor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York, USA.
authors.forename: George D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Thurston
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.affiliation: South Asian Council for Social Services, Flushing, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Sudha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Acharya
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Judith T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Zelikoff
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis; D001336:Automobiles; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*; D010465:Perception; D010865:Pilot Projects; D053260:Soot / Q000032:analysis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D001335:Vehicle Emissions / Q000032:analysis*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D052638:Particulate Matter; D053260:Soot; D001335:Vehicle Emissions