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

• 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
• ISSN: 0146-7557

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.