257938 Aldehydes in passenger vehicles: An analysis of data from the RIOPA Study 1999-2001

Monday, October 29, 2012

Ashley E. Miller, MS, BS , Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey- School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ
Veronica Lewis, RN, BSN, MPH(c) , School of Public Health, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
Megan F. Rockafellow, MPH, BA , Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey- School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ
Manthan P. Shah, MPH, BS , Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey- School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ
Jennifer H. Therkorn, MPH, BS , Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Youyou Xiong, ME, BE , Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Derek G. Shendell, DEnv, MPH , Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, UMDNJ-SPH (and EOHSI), Piscataway, NJ
Introduction: In-vehicle air quality (IVAQ) is a rising concern due to urban sprawl throughout the U.S. and the increased amount of time spent by individuals commuting in cars, etc. Few studies have considered in-vehicle toxic air contaminants; none collected data across multiple climate zones. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative field data were collected from participating non-smoking adults in communities located in Los Angeles County, California, Elizabeth, New Jersey and Houston, Texas. A baseline questionnaire was used to outline subject's general behaviors and an activity questionnaire summarized specific activities within the 48-hour sampling period. Statistics were conducted in Excel and in SAS (Cary, NC). Results: A significant difference (p< 0.001) in formaldehyde levels in cars was observed among study locations with median concentrations of formaldehyde in CA about twice as high in both NJ and TX. The highest concentration of acetaldehyde was observed in TX, and was over two orders of magnitude higher than the overall study median. Positive correlations were found between average relative humidity in CA and NJ and formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations. The time car windows were closed was inversely correlated with formaldehyde across locations, and in CA and TX for acetaldehyde. Average wind speed and varying sky conditions also showed relationships to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde measurements. Conclusions: IVAQ during commuting may vary based on human behavior and meteorological factors. Additional studies are needed to further characterize ways to improve IVAQ. Understanding these factors may especially help people with respiratory illness to minimize potential exposure by altering driving habits.

Learning Areas:
Environmental health sciences
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to identify and describe: Personal driving behaviors influencing in-vehicle air quality (IVAQ) Differences in aldehyde concentrations measured during in-vehicle sampling between climate and geographical locations across the U.S. Opportunities for improving IVAQ and reducing potential exposures specific to susceptible populations

Keywords: Air Quality, Indoor Environment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a doctoral student at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, pursuing my PhD in Environmental and Occupational Health. I received my Master of Science in Environmental Technology from the New York Institute of Technology where I focused my studies on environmental and energy engineering controls and remediation to reduce air and water pollution. Pertinent coursework: Indoor Air Quality; Introduction to Environmental Health; Fundamentals of Air Pollution; Introduction to Environmental Technology
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.