AIR quality plays a key role in the health and wellbeing of human beings.
But even with electric cars zooming around, it turns out we're still breathing in all sorts of junk.
Apparently, the worst places to breathe in all the pollution are just the spots where you usually hang out: bus stops, traffic crossings, and bike lanes.
Researchers created a virtual city to track the tiny airborne particles of doom, and found pollution is highest right where cars are screeching to a halt.
Scientists simulated how PM2.5 and other pollutants are generated and spread while braking, finding exposure was highest at the end of these zones (the same areas pedestrians gather at bus stops and road crossings), and when deceleration was above 3m/s.
But don't worry say the researchers, if you stand at least 1.5 metres away from the road, you're in the "safe zone".
Published in Royal Society Open Science, the researchers said because of the positioning of bus stops, bike lanes and road crossings, and the fact that people do tend to live more in urban areas, this is where pollution is the strongest.
However, they say if pedestrians are better informed of the potential health consequences of this air pollution exposure, they may be able to make safer choices.
So next time you're waiting for a bus or crossing the street, maybe take a few steps back.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 27 Sep 24
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