The effect of COVID-19 restrictions on particulate matter on different modes of transport in China

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, ventilation on transport has been improved to control the aerosol transmission. We utilized portable monitors to measure real-time concentrations of PM(10), PM(2.5), PM(1.0) and black carbon (BC) on six modes of transport and estimate personal exposures under the epidemic prevention. The mean concentrations of PM(10), PM(2.5), PM(1.0) and BC measured on transport were 18.8 ± 19.4, 16.6 ± 16.5, 12.2 ± 10.8 and 4.1 ± 6.9 μg/m(3), respectively. It reduced PM levels on subway to apply the full fresh air mode rather than partial recirculation mode. Airplane had the lowest concentrations and the highest decay rates, implying the most efficient ventilation and filtration. PM were higher on intra-city transport than inter-city, and significantly increased on arrival at stations. BC and BC/PM ratios were higher on road transport than rail transport, indicating the contribution of exhaust emissions. The ventilation mode to exchange air with the outside and the positive association between concentrations and decay rates on high-speed train suggested filtration efficiency should be improved simultaneously with enhancing ventilation. Wearing facemasks on transport further protects passengers against PM exposure, which reduced personal exposure concentrations on four modes of transport lower than 10 μg/m(3), the World Health Organization guideline.