A spokeswoman for Transport for London, which operates the tube, said safety was the body’s “top priority” and staff had been working for years to reduce dust in the system. “This includes using industrial backpack dust [vacuum] It’s part of a multi-million pound tube cleaning programme,” she adds.
The big unknown is whether all of this particulate matter is actually causing health problems for people. Used 5 days a week for years. And thousands of transport workers spend even longer in the tunnels. However, there are no widespread indications of severe or acute health problems among these people, even if subway pollution levels exceed recommended limits. Are there more subtle and chronic effects, such as effects?
Matthew Wroxham, an air pollution toxicologist at the University of Southampton, said: “It certainly cannot be ruled out. He reached this conclusion after co-authoring a review of the evidence on health risks published in 2019. He has since been unaware of any new evidence that has really changed the situation.
He adds that the fact that the subway system’s fine particles, especially iron, are high in metals, is potentially of concern because metals are generally thought to be toxic. Particulate ingredients sometimes dissolve. This means that this substance can dissolve in a person’s lungs and reach the cells.
“That’s bad, but at the same time, these soluble components may be easier to remove than solid particles,” said Loxham, noting that some clumps of material may simply lodge in people’s lungs. is shown. future health problems.
He adds that high levels of iron can be a problem. Because it is an important part of the hemoglobin in our blood, we have mechanisms to regulate it. It is possible, he stresses. It is also very difficult to link occasional exposure to high levels of PM in metro systems to specific adverse health effects. It is a mistake to jump to conclusions.
If you’re concerned about subway pollutants, consider wearing a well-fitting filter mask. Where possible, subway operators may consider installing screens along platforms to reduce the amount of dust blown toward commuters by incoming trains. However, there are caveats to this approach as well. A study on the use of such screens in Seoul found a trend towards increased PM exposure on trains, although exposure on platforms may decrease.
It’s hard to tell if there’s a real health risk, says Gordon. is emphasized.
