Air quality at many train stations is alarmingly bad. Here’s how to improve it

Report: Poor Air Quality at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station

Recent revelations about poor air quality at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station probably came as no surprise for passengers who have experienced such conditions.

Air Quality Concerns in Train Stations

Train platforms, bus terminal, and nearby areas have recorded alarmingly poor air quality. In some parts of the station, nitrogen dioxide levels were more than 90 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit. At such levels, considered much higher than medically acceptable, human health is at risk.

Poor air quality in train stations is a concern in many major cities, including Sydney, New York, Boston, London, and Edinburgh. In some Sydney stations and tunnels, air pollution was up to five times worse than the WHO’s recommended limit.

Causes and Impacts of Poor Air Quality

Poor air quality is a result of fumes from diesel engines, restricted airflow, station design, and the wear of train components. These emissions include tiny airborne particles that can cause illness and disease. Passengers, workers, and nearby residents may all be affected.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The issue of poor air quality in train stations aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. Goal 13: Climate Action

Solutions for Improving Air Quality

Solutions already exist to improve air quality in train stations. These include:

• Investing in technology, alternative fuels, electrification, and better management of stations
• Wearing suitable face masks, such as P2 and N95 masks, to reduce personal exposure

International Perspective

Poor air quality in enclosed train and bus stations is a worldwide problem. Data from various cities show that levels of fine particulate matter often exceed WHO guidelines. For example, a study in Sao Paolo, Brazil found that time spent inside a bus terminal can result in an intolerable health risk for commuters. A Danish study also identified significantly higher pollution levels in and around diesel trains compared to electric trains.

Benefits of Trains as a Sustainable Form of Transport

In terms of sustainability and general urban air quality, trains help reduce emissions and air pollution when compared to cars and trucks. They transport people more efficiently with a smaller land, energy, and emissions footprint. However, the impacts on train commuters’ health depend on factors such as location, fuel used, and exposure to highly polluted air in enclosed and underground stations.

Improving Air Quality: Actions for Rail Operators

Rail operators can take several actions to improve air quality for passengers:

• Use cleaner fuels, more efficient engines, and filtering systems
• Shift from diesel to electric trains
• Implement exhaust fans, station design improvements, and real-time monitoring of air quality
• Optimize schedules and operations to reduce train engine idling time
• Relocate loading and unloading facilities away from congested areas

Alternative Fuels

Train operators have trialed the use of biofuels, which can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86%. Biodiesel and renewable diesel made from renewable resources burn cleaner. While biodiesel costs nearly the same as mineral diesel, renewable diesel costs more.

Technology Fixes

Exhaust after-treatment systems on diesel engines, selective catalytic reduction technology, and improved ventilation and air flow within stations can help limit pollution.

Electrification

Electric trains produce much less air pollution and are cheaper to make, maintain, and run than diesel trains. They also have lower greenhouse gas emissions per passenger kilometer.

Health Impacts and Mortality Rates

Long-term exposure to black carbon, often found in cities, increases mortality rates. For train staff, Danish research estimates that black-carbon exposure results in extra lung cancer deaths per 1,000 individuals over a lifetime. Short-term exposure to high air pollution is also linked to deaths from kidney disease.

Leadership for a Cleaner Rail System

Rail operators and regulators have the opportunity to show vision and leadership by supporting trains as one of the best alternatives to cars and trucks. Balancing the impacts on rail costs and operations with the importance of protecting the health of commuters and staff is crucial. Active monitoring and transparent reporting of air quality are necessary to assess the effectiveness of solutions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
• Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population-weighted).
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: theconversation.com

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