Driving to work could be the most polluted part of your day
If you have otherwise healthy habits and don't smoke, what's the most unhealthy part of your day? Driving in your car, according to a new study from the University of Southern California. According to lead author, Scott Fruin, "Urban dwellers with long commutes are probably getting most of their ultra-fine particle (UFP) exposure while driving." UFPs are particularly dangerous because they can get through cell walls, as compared to larger particles.
This research concurs with previous studies that showed that children who ride school buses are exposed to more pollution than those who don't.
So what can you do? According to the researchers, driving with the windows closed and using the recirculated air setting can reduce the exposure, but will not reduce exposure to other pollutants. One solution, according to Fruin -- shortening your commute. Good advice, but easier said than done.
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