Think you are breathing in clean air?
A recent study by a research team led by Dr Erik Velasco, an air pollution expert from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology concludes that commuters waiting at bus stops in Singapore could be breathing in three-and-a-half times more toxic gases and particles than at ambient levels, and with prolonged exposure this may lead to health problems. [source]
The report published states that tiny particles from vehicle exhaust fumes permeate the bloodstream and can result in or aggravate pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases such as asthma and lung cancer.
The measurements were taken over 2 years at 5 bus-stops in the Vivocity, Little India, One Raffles Quay, NUS and Bugis area.
Frequency of pollutant spikes were highest at the Bugis bus-stop, followed by the one at Vivocity.
To reduce commuter’s exposures, the research team suggested our authorities to install fans at the bus-stop.
They also suggest commuters to reduce waiting times spent at the bus-stop by checking bus arrival schedules.
This can be done through checking real-time bus arrival information on popular bus apps such as SG BusLeh and MyTransport Singapore.