Paris: Most people while traveling on the metro train think that the air inside the metro is purer than outside. For this reason, in many metro cities, people consider it appropriate to travel by metro train from the point of view of health. However, a recent study on the metro of France broke this illusion of the people. An in-depth investigation of pollution levels in seven underground transport networks, including the Paris area metro, found that ‘fine particulate pollution’ within the metro was on average three times higher than in the outside air.
Special pollution
Researchers found that the air at underground subway stations contained a high amount of metallic elements. Very fine particles of iron and organic carbon are present in this air in particular. Research has found that this pollution is generated due to the rubbing of the brakes of the metro and these are pushed into the air by the trains running through the tunnels. Currently, there is not enough data to show the impact of this pollution on the health of travelers, but this pollution can cause cardiovascular effects, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Experts pointed out that in the metro system, pollution is measured only on platforms, while it should also be measured in hallways and train cars. Trains should be changed to improve air quality, the brake system should be upgraded to avoid particulate build-up as well as ventilation should be improved.
However, le-de-France Mobilités, which manages the Paris metro and suburban train system, has set out to spend 57 million euros on testing and ventilation of the new brake system to combat pollution. Let us tell you that a lawsuit has been filed in France by representatives of an NGO and metro passengers for not disclosing the level of pollution in the metro.
