Evaluation of In-Cab Air Quality for Nonroad Diesel Construction Equipment

Previous research indicates that air quality near the cabs of nonroad diesel equipment may exceed recommended exposure limits for certain pollutants. The objective of this case study was to collect and analyze air pollutant data near the cabs of nonroad diesel equipment while performing real-world a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American professional constructor 2021-10, p.6-15
Main Authors: Lewis, Phil, El Khouly, Sherif, Mayer, Adam, Johnson, Jeremy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air quality
Asthma
Blood pressure
Cabs
Cancer
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide concentration
Carbon monoxide
Cardiovascular disease
Case studies
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Construction equipment
Data collection
Emissions
Exposure limits
Fossil fuels
Headaches
Health hazards
Heart rate
Literature reviews
Lung diseases
Mortality
Nitric oxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Outdoor air quality
Particulate emissions
Particulates
Pollutants
Productivity
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Summary:Previous research indicates that air quality near the cabs of nonroad diesel equipment may exceed recommended exposure limits for certain pollutants. The objective of this case study was to collect and analyze air pollutant data near the cabs of nonroad diesel equipment while performing real-world activities. Using state-of-the-art instrumentation, the research team conducted 24 tests on nine different items of nonroad equipment. The team collected data related to pollutant concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and black carbon. Average concentrations of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide did not exceed published exposure limits on a consistent basis, but their maximum values occasionally exceeded the limits. Carbon dioxide concentrations frequently exceeded recommended levels for adequate ventilation. The most concerning results belonged to particulate matter and black carbon. Concentrations of respirable particulates often exceeded recommended levels on a sustained basis. Overall, the case study yielded enough information to conclude that studying in-cab air quality in nonroad equipment cabs is necessary to reduce hazards related to human health, safety, and productivity for equipment operators.
ISSN:0146-7557