Exposure to elevated particulate matter (PM) pollution is of great concern to both the general public and air quality management agencies. At urban traffic intersections, for example, pedestrians are often at a higher risk exposure to near-source PM pollution from traffic either while waiting on the roadside or while passing crosswalks. This study offers an in-depth investigation of pedestrian exposure to PM pollution at urban traffic intersections. Fixed-site measurements near urban intersections were conducted to examine the variations in concentration of submicron particles (PM1), fine particles (PM2), and coarse particles (PM10) through a traffic signal cycle. This process aids the identification of major PM dispersion patterns on the roadside. In addition, mobile measurements regarding pedestrian exposure to PM were conducted across six time intervals that correspond to different segments of a pedestrian’s journey when passing through the intersection. The measurement results enabled the research team to estimate and compare the cumulative deposited doses of PM by size categories and journey segments for pedestrians at an intersection. The results indicate the importance of reducing PM pollution at intersections and provide policymakers with a foundation for possible measures to reduce pedestrians' PM exposure at urban traffic intersections.

CICTP