The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Air quality at many train stations is alarmingly bad. Here’s how to improve it

  • Written by Magnus Moglia, Associate Professor in Systems Science and Sustainable Urbanism, Swinburne University of Technology
Air quality at many train stations is alarmingly bad. Here’s how to improve it

Recent revelations[1] about poor air quality at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station probably came as no surprise for passengers who have experienced such conditions.

Train platforms, bus terminal and nearby areas have recorded alarmingly poor air quality. In some parts of the station, nitrogen dioxide levels were more than 90 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit[2]. At such levels, considered much higher than medically acceptable[3], human health is at risk[4].

Poor air quality in train stations is a concern in many major cities, including Sydney[5], New York and Boston[6] in the US, and London[7] and Edinburgh[8] in the UK. In some Sydney stations and tunnels, air pollution was up to five times worse[9] than the WHO’s recommended limit.

Poor air quality is a result of fumes from diesel engines, restricted airflow, station design and the wear of train components. These emissions include tiny airborne particles. This fine particulate matter can cause illness and disease[10]. Passengers, workers and nearby residents may all be affected.

Solutions already exist. Investing in technology, alternative fuels, electrification and better management of stations can improve air quality and reduce the health risks. As with COVID, people can also reduce their exposure[11] by wearing suitable face masks[12], such as P2 and N95[13] masks.

Read more: London Underground polluted with particles small enough to enter the human bloodstream – new research[14]

It’s a worldwide problem

International studies show poor air quality is common in enclosed train and bus stations. Data for most stations from many cities show levels of fine particulate matter exceeded WHO guidelines[15].

In Sao Paolo, Brazil, a study found[16] “time spent inside a bus terminal can result in an intolerable health risk for commuters”.

A Danish study[17] identified much higherpollution levels of pollutants in and around diesel trains than for electric trains. Inside the diesel trains, levels of ultrafine particulate matter were 35 times higher, black carbon six times higher, nitrogen oxides (NOx) eight times higher, PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, so they can enter the bloodstream) twice as high and benzo(a)pyrene six times higher.

Read more: Commuting by subway? What you need to know about air quality[18]

But aren’t trains a more sustainable form of transport?

In terms of sustainability and general urban air quality[19], trains help reduce emissions and air pollution when compared to cars and trucks[20] in Australia. Trains transport people more efficiently, with a much smaller land, energy and emissions footprint[21].

The health impacts of air pollution are usually lower[22] for train commuters than those who commute by car. However, the impacts on train commuters depend on location, the fuel used[23] (diesel or electric) and the extent of their exposure to highly polluted air in enclosed and underground stations.

Read more: Air pollution from brake dust may be as harmful as diesel exhaust on immune cells – new study[24]

What can be done to improve air quality?

Rail operators can do many things to help passengers breath more easily. These involve both trains and station management.

Train-side interventions include the use of cleaner fuels, more efficient engines and filtering systems, and shifting from diesel to electric trains.

Station-side solutions include exhaust fans, station design and real-time monitoring of air quality. Optimising schedules and operations can reduce train engine idling time. Loading and unloading facilities can be relocated away from congested areas.

An infographic showing the ways to improve air quality, including electrified trains, air filters and policy changes
Swinburne University of Technology (2024), CC BY-SA[25] Alternative fuels Train operators have trialled the use of biofuels[26], typically blended with mineral diesel. Biodiesel and renewable diesel are made from renewable resources and burn cleaner. Biofuels can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86%[27]. Biodiesel costs nearly the same[28] as mineral diesel, but renewable diesel costs more. Biodiesel in the Outback. Read more: Climate explained: could biofuels replace all fossil fuels in New Zealand?[29] Technology fixes Exhaust after-treatment systems on diesel engines are a low-cost option. Filters can capture most soot particles. Selective catalytic reduction[30] technology uses a chemical reaction to reduce NOx emissions[31]. Improving ventilation and air flow within stations can also help limit pollution[32]. Another option is diesel-hybrid train fleet conversion[33]. Electric traction modules and energy-storage systems recover energy when the train brakes and store it in a battery for later use. These systems can operate the train when the diesel engines are shut down, for example during boarding. Energy savings can be up to 6,000kWh/day[34]. The South Australian government has retrofitted trains[35] with these systems. They can cut fuel use by up to 20% and carbon dioxide emissions by 2,400 tonnes a year on the Adelaide Metro. South Australia has retrofitted Adelaide trains with hybrid-diesel technology. Electrification Electric trains produce much less air pollution – around 20-30% less greenhouse gas emissions[36] per passenger kilometre. Being lighter and more efficient, electric trains are also cheaper to make, maintain and run than diesel trains (with average savings of 20%, 33% and 45%[37] respectively). Read more: Australia's freight used to go by train, not truck. Here's how we can bring back rail – and cut emissions[38] Cleaner air saves lives Estimating health impacts in Australia is difficult due to limited data, but international evidence provides guidance. Compared to travel on roads, commuters on trains and metros typically have less exposure to air pollution, except for black carbon[39]. Long-term exposure to black carbon typically increases[40] mortality rates even at low levels of ambient air pollution. At exposure levels close to what is often found[41] in cities, excess lifetime lung cancer mortality is 0.3 per 1,000. For train staff, Danish research[42] estimates black-carbon exposure results in an extra 16 lung cancer deaths per 1,000 individuals over a lifetime (assuming an eight-hour working day). For working conditions over ten years, a six-fold increase in black carbon lifts this rate to 1.9 per 1,000. A ten-fold increase takes it to 3.2 extra deaths per 1,000[43]. Short-term exposure to high air pollution is also linked to deaths from kidney disease[44]. Researchers discuss the link between air pollution and lung cancer. Leadership is needed to protect people and the planet Some solutions are easy to apply immediately. Others require planning and foresight. The impacts on rail costs and operations should be balanced against the importance of protecting the health of commuters and staff, as well as cutting emissions. Active monitoring and transparent reporting of air quality promote public trust. They’re also needed to assess the effectiveness of solutions. Shifting towards a cleaner rail system is an opportunity for operators and regulators to show vision and leadership by supporting trains as one of the best alternatives to cars and trucks. References^ revelations (www.abc.net.au)^ recommended limit (www.who.int)^ higher than medically acceptable (www.abc.net.au)^ health is at risk (www.who.int)^ Sydney (www.timeout.com)^ New York and Boston (www.nih.gov)^ London (theconversation.com)^ Edinburgh (www.pollutionsolutions-online.com)^ up to five times worse (rtbuexpress.com.au)^ cause illness and disease (particleandfibretoxicology.biomedcentral.com)^ reduce their exposure (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)^ suitable face masks (www.health.nsw.gov.au)^ P2 and N95 (www.health.nsw.gov.au)^ London Underground polluted with particles small enough to enter the human bloodstream – new research (theconversation.com)^ WHO guidelines (www.youtube.com)^ a study found (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)^ Danish study (pubs.acs.org)^ Commuting by subway? What you need to know about air quality (theconversation.com)^ air quality (www.iqair.com)^ cars and trucks (theconversation.com)^ footprint (iea.blob.core.windows.net)^ lower (www.sciencedirect.com)^ location, the fuel used (pubs.acs.org)^ Air pollution from brake dust may be as harmful as diesel exhaust on immune cells – new study (theconversation.com)^ CC BY-SA (creativecommons.org)^ trialled the use of biofuels (www.up.com)^ by up to 86% (pubs.acs.org)^ nearly the same (afdc.energy.gov)^ Climate explained: could biofuels replace all fossil fuels in New Zealand? (theconversation.com)^ Selective catalytic reduction (enginetechforum.org)^ NOx emissions (link.springer.com)^ limit pollution (doi.org)^ train fleet conversion (new.abb.com)^ up to 6,000kWh/day (www.sciencedirect.com)^ retrofitted trains (www.dit.sa.gov.au)^ 20-30% less greenhouse gas emissions (www.railway-technology.com)^ 20%, 33% and 45% (www.railway-technology.com)^ Australia's freight used to go by train, not truck. Here's how we can bring back rail – and cut emissions (theconversation.com)^ black carbon (www.sciencedirect.com)^ typically increases (www.sciencedirect.com)^ often found (www.atsjournals.org)^ Danish research (pubs.acs.org)^ 3.2 extra deaths per 1,000 (ehp.niehs.nih.gov)^ deaths from kidney disease (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Read more https://theconversation.com/air-quality-at-many-train-stations-is-alarmingly-bad-heres-how-to-improve-it-225799

The Times Features

Discover the Charm of a Girl's White Dress

Key Highlights Timeless elegance: White dresses feel pure and have classic charm. They are perfect for many types of events. Versatile styles: You can pick from lace, embroid...

Top Medical Grade Red Light Therapy Devices in Australia

Key Highlights Lumitter™ has advanced red light therapy devices that combine new ideas with wellness. Red light therapy helps lower pain and swelling and boosts skin health. ...

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping