The findings suggest new systems could severely limit disease transmission onboard buses
Global technology group Delos announced a research project with Victoria’s Monash University to examine the benefits of installing air purification systems on buses and other forms of public transport.
The project is the first of its kind in Australia and involves researching a bus fitted with Delos air purification systems and monitoring equipment.
The bus was then exposed to controlled levels of pollutants to determine the efficiency of air purification systems in filtering and maintaining safe air quality levels.
“This is one of the most significant research projects to be undertaken in Australia involving air quality in buses and we believe the outcome will see these systems being installed on all public transport vehicles across the country,” Delos Australia managing director Anthony Scarff says.
Monash University researchers say there’s evidence to suggest that air pollution can impact health in the short and long term.
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“Many people spend two or more hours commuting per day,” Monash head of climate Professor Yuming Guo says.
“Their exposure to air pollution is a big health risk, so reducing air pollution exposure during commuting is an urgent issue to be solved to protect human health.”
The findings indicated that air purification systems significantly impacted the reduction of airborne particles and the overall air quality inside the bus.
The Monash University researchers say these results could prove critical in limiting the spread of diseases in public transport vehicles, improving travel experiences and reassuring passengers who are hesitant to use buses.