Investigating the exposure of taxi and bus drivers in Rasht to PM10 and PM2.5

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Jamshid Minaee
Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ehpr.2025.558062.1006
Abstract
Urban air pollution poses significant health risks, particularly for individuals with prolonged exposure to traffic-related emissions. This study aimed to assess the concentration and distribution of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter among taxi and bus drivers in Rasht, Iran, and to identify key environmental and occupational predictors of exposure. A cross-sectional observational design was employed, involving 120 drivers (60 taxi, 60 bus) selected through stratified random sampling across high-traffic urban zones. Real-time measurements of PM10 and PM2.5 were collected using portable air quality monitors installed in vehicle cabins, supplemented by GPS tracking and meteorological data. Descriptive statistics revealed that bus drivers experienced higher mean concentrations of PM10 (97.8 µg/m³) and PM2.5 (74.3 µg/m³) compared to taxi drivers (PM10: 84.2 µg/m³; PM2.5: 62.5 µg/m³). One-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in exposure across urban zones, with central districts showing the highest particulate levels (p < 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis identified traffic density as the strongest positive predictor of PM exposure, while effective cabin ventilation and favorable meteorological conditions were associated with reduced concentrations. These findings underscore the occupational vulnerability of urban transport workers and highlight the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include retrofitting vehicles with high-efficiency filtration systems, optimizing traffic flow, and implementing exposure monitoring programs in high-risk zones. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting localized air quality management and occupational health protections in urban environments.

Graphical Abstract

Investigating the exposure of taxi and bus drivers in Rasht to PM10 and PM2.5

Highlights

·       Bus drivers experience significantly higher PM2.5/PM10 exposure compared to taxi drivers.

·       Spatial analysis identifies central urban zones as key PM hotspots via kernel density.

·       Traffic density is the strongest predictor of in-cabin PM levels per regression models.

·       Cabin ventilation and favorable meteorological factors significantly reduce PM exposure.

Keywords
Drivers
Environmental Health Monitoring
Occupational Exposure
Particulate Matter
Rasht
Urban Air Pollution
Subjects
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Environmental Health and Pollution Research
Volume 1, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 8-12

  • Receive Date 07 November 2025
  • Accept Date 10 December 2025
  • First Publish Date 10 December 2025
  • Publish Date 01 January 2026