Particulate Matter in the Korea Train eXpress (KTX) Cabin and its Exposure

Abstract

This study aims to assess the particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) and black carbon (BC) in the Korea Train eXpress (KTX) cabin during train running, and the personal exposure of PM2.5 for the female/male passengers who use the KTX 20 days a month to commute. Intensive measurements were made on the day when the outside ambient PM concentration was much higher than usual. To compare with the PM concentration in the subway cabin, a measurement was also performed in some sections of the Seoul Metro subway (from Namyoung Station (hereafter referred to as the “Sta.”) to Jonggak Sta.). The amount of PM2.5 exposure (Exposure PM2.5 (μg)) was calculated for the male/female passengers who regularly board the KTX. The Car-exposure PM2.5 (μg), which is the amount of PM2.5 exposure when moving by car in the same section, was also calculated. The PM concentration in the KTX cabin elevated and fallen off at train staying and train running, respectively. The PM2.5 concentrations inside KTX cabin at the stop station exhibited a remarkable positive correlation with those of outdoor. Compared to the PM concentration measured in the cabin of Seoul Metro subway, PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 in the KTX passenger cabin were 74.9%, 73.3%, and 62.7% of those in the cabin of Seoul Metro subway, respectively. The PM2.5 exposure amount (exposure PM2.5 (μg)) when moving the same section using the KTX and passenger cars was calculated, and as a result, the exposure PM2.5 (μg) for both male and female were 5.7 times lower in the KTX than that in car. The mapping result of BC concentration drawn on the KTX line from Iksan Sta. to Gwangmyeong Sta. shows that it fluctuated greatly for each service section or stop station