Professional drivers and pollution

In this post we are discussing the occupational risks from contamination that a professional driver needs to be aware of, and the posible solutions to prevent or reduce them.  

1. Contact with passengers: Those professional drivers in contact with passengers, like taxi, ride-hailing, and bus drivers who come into contact with multiple passengers throughout the day have the highest risk from pathogen contagions. Passengers may be carrying germs and spread them into the vehicle surfaces where they can live for several hours, which means that drivers may come into contact with the virus on surfaces such as door handles, steering wheels, and payment terminals.
2.  Pollution: Professional drivers, such as truck, van, taxi, and bus drivers, or sales reps are exposed to higher levels of air pollution compared to the average individual due to their occupation. Several studies have shown that professional drivers experience higher levels of exposure to air pollution compared to the general population. Taxi drivers are exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 and NOx compared to office workers, and their exposure levels are strongly correlated with the amount of time they spent on the road. Bus drivers are also exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 and NOx compared to office workers, and their exposure levels are highest during the winter months when air pollution levels tend to be higher. Exposure to high levels of CO2 can have negative health effects on drivers. While CO2 itself is not toxic, high levels can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. It can also impair cognitive function and decrease productivity.
3. Exposure to PM2.5: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the average daily exposure to PM2.5 should not exceed 25 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) on an annual basis. Several studies have shown that professional drivers experience 4 to 5 times that of a normal office worker. Exposure to PM2.5 is cumulative, meaning that even short-term exposures can have adverse health effects over time. The WHO has identified a range of health risks associated with this traffic-related air pollution, including particulate matter (such as PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Risks comprise respiratory and cardiovascular problems, mutagenic and carcinogenic risks and has urged governments and individuals to take steps to reduce exposure to this air pollutant as much as possible.
4. Lack of access to healthcare: Finally, professional drivers may be at risk due to a lack of access to healthcare. Many drivers are self-employed or work for small businesses that may not offer health insurance. This can make it difficult to access healthcare if they become sick. 

To reduce exposure to PM2.5, Nox, CO2, Ozone and other pollutants, drivers can take steps such as using adequate air filters in their vehicles, avoiding high-traffic areas and idling, and ensuring that their vehicles are well-maintained and have proper ventilation. 

However, most car filters do not block all PM2.5 and they may be expensive and require frequent maintenance. Use of masks or installing passenger shields is cumbersome. With all this information in perspective, PUROH has developed a small device that can be plugged in a 12V outlet in the car’s cigarette lighter. It generates Open-Air factors that block pollutants and convert them into harmless substances like water and oxygen. Noteworthy, it is not a filter. Filtering all air volume when there is a lot of passenger movement becomes an impossible task, and filters cannot clean or disinfect surfaces. PUROH emits OH· which is a natural reaction happening in the Open Air, which kills all types of microorganisms and breaks pollutants. PUROH helps ensure a long term health by improving the air we breath.

Drivers should also advocate for policies and infrastructure that reduce emissions and promote cleaner air.