Exposure of Commuters to Carbon Monoxide in Mexico City-i. Measurement of In-vehicle Concentrations

The aims of this study were to determine in-vehicle carbon monoxide (CO) levels in major commuting modes in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City (MAMC) and to identify the main factors affecting the variation in these CO concentrations. CO concentrations were measured inside public and private transport vehicles during the winter of 1991 in Mexico City. Measurements were taken along several commuting routes, during the morning and evening rush hours. Significant differences in CO concentrations were found between different transport modes. The highest CO concentrations were found inside autos and collective taxis. while metro trains, trolleybuses and buses had lower concentrations. In-vehicle CO concentrations in Mexico City were much higher than those reported for previous studies in the U.S.A. Key word index Carbon monoxide, air pollution, exposure, Mexico City.