Helena Joyce
Diesel trains are a major source of air pollution, which is associated with severe health risks. A Danish study found that air quality on board a diesel train is five times worse than beside a busy street, with concentrations of 400,000 particles/cm3. These harmful pollutants include nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and black carbon or soot, which are linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and other cardiovascular diseases. Despite legislation and improvements in engine technology, diesel trains continue to contribute significantly to environmental issues, particularly in the UK, US, and Europe, where freight rail systems emit high levels of carbon pollution and impact nearby communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air quality inside UK train stations | Poorly documented |
| Air quality inside carriages pulled by diesel trains | Five times worse than beside a busy street |
| Concentration of particles for someone in the front carriage of a diesel train | 400,000 particles/cm3 |
| Levels of black carbon and ultrafine particles | Higher for those catching the first morning train |
| Percentage of rail network electrified in the EEA-33 area by 2013 | 53% |
| Percentage of train tracks electrified in the UK | 41% |
| Percentage of Europe's current rail traffic hauled by diesel locomotives | 20% |
| Countries highly dependent on diesel traction | UK, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania |
| Percentage reduction in carbon emissions of diesel trains by hybrid trains | 19% |
| Number of deaths a year in the UK caused by air pollution | 29,000 |
| Percentage increase in fuel efficiency in diesel locomotives in the USA from the 1980s to 2009 | 85% |
| Number of lives that would be saved by California's new rule to fund cleaner locomotives | 3,200 |
Explore related products
$10.79 $13.86
What You'll Learn
- Diesel trains produce five times more air pollution than a busy street
- Diesel exhaust is associated with lung cancer and cardiovascular disease
- Nitrogen dioxide levels in train stations breach European limits
- The UK has poorly documented air quality inside train stations
- Hybrid trains reduce carbon emissions of diesel trains by 19%
Diesel trains produce five times more air pollution than a busy street
Diesel exhaust is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, as well as other lung and cardiovascular diseases. Those sitting on carriages being pulled by a diesel engine, especially close to the engine, breathe in a much larger dose of diesel fumes. Measurements revealed that ultrafine particles were 35 times higher and black carbon or soot was six times higher inside carriages pulled by diesel trains versus electric. Ultrafine particles are often carbon nanoparticles, coated with hydrocarbons and metals, and are believed to go deeper into the lungs.
The health effects of diesel engine nanoparticles are still being uncovered, but it is clear that the health detriments of fine particle emissions are severe and pervasive. A 2011 study in The Lancet concluded that traffic exposure is the single most serious preventable trigger of heart attack in the general public, causing 7.4% of all attacks. Diesel exhaust also contributes to the formation of acid rain, which affects soil, lakes, and streams, and can enter the human food chain.
In the UK, only 41% of train tracks are electrified, and there are mounting pressures for improvement. While diesel engines produce one-twenty-eighth the carbon monoxide of gasoline engines, the lean-burning nature of diesel engines results in significant production of nitrogen oxides, an air pollutant. The UK rail industry is making advances, and the current EU regulatory framework for train diesel engines is represented by the Stage IIIA and IIIB standards. The Stage IIIB standard requires diesel engines greater than 130 kW to reduce the effects of exhaust emissions, and in December 2015, new reduction goals were outlined as part of the Low Carbon Sustainable Rail Transport Challenge.
Understanding Pollution: Meanings and Impacts
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Diesel exhaust is associated with lung cancer and cardiovascular disease
Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban areas. It is a mixture of soot and gases that can be inhaled by people at work, around the home, or while travelling. While diesel emissions have improved over the years, with newer engines drastically reducing emissions of many compounds and elemental carbon, diesel exhaust is still associated with lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies diesel engine exhaust as "carcinogenic to humans," based on evidence that it increases the risk of lung cancer. Several studies have found a link between long-term, heavy exposure to diesel exhaust and lung cancer in lab animals, with workers with the heaviest and most prolonged exposures, such as railroad workers, having higher lung cancer death rates. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has also classified exposure to diesel exhaust particulates as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," based on studies linking it to lung cancer.
In addition to lung cancer, diesel exhaust has been associated with other cancers, including bladder, larynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and blood system cancers. However, the evidence for these links is not as strong, and more research is needed.
Diesel exhaust is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A Danish study found that travelling on a diesel train can expose you to far higher levels of harmful particulates than standing beside a busy road. The study revealed that ultrafine particles, which are believed to penetrate deeper into the lungs, were 35 times higher inside carriages pulled by diesel trains compared to those pulled by electric trains. Similarly, black carbon or soot levels were six times higher. These elevated levels of particulates and soot can have negative health effects, contributing to the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The health risks associated with diesel exhaust are particularly relevant for diesel train passengers and workers, as enclosed railway stations can have poor air quality due to diesel emissions. While the air quality inside train stations is often poorly documented, studies have found that emissions within stations can far exceed European recommendations for outdoor air quality. As a result, there is a significant potential risk to the large number of passengers and workers exposed to diesel emissions within train stations, especially those with high rail use and poor ventilation.
Supply and Demand: Pollution's Persistent Problem
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nitrogen dioxide levels in train stations breach European limits
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gas that is primarily produced during the combustion of fossil fuels, along with nitric oxide (NO). NO2 is also formed when NO reacts with certain atmospheric gases, such as ozone. These reactions are reversible, so the two gases are referred to as nitrogen oxides (NOx). Short-term exposure to NO2 concentrations higher than 200 µg/m3 can cause inflammation of the airways and may increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. NO2 can also exacerbate symptoms for individuals with pre-existing lung or heart conditions.
A 2015 study by the University of Cambridge, the University of Minnesota, and Minnesota State University Mankato found that emissions from diesel trains at London's Paddington Station breached European limits for outdoor air quality. The researchers evaluated the air quality in the station over five days, finding that it exceeded the limits for NO2 each time. The study serves as a reminder that the railway sector, particularly those stations hosting diesel trains, can pose a risk to passengers and workers due to reduced air quality.
Similarly, in 2019, researchers from Edinburgh University and King's College London reported that nitrogen dioxide levels in Edinburgh Waverley and London King's Cross train stations exceeded annual limits in just two weeks. The high levels were attributed primarily to emissions from diesel trains, with a strong positive association observed between the number of diesel trains and NO2 concentration. The study also found that average levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) were higher inside the stations than outside, although they did not breach EU limits.
The issue of poor air quality in train stations, particularly those with diesel trains, is not limited to a single location. Approximately 20% of Europe's rail traffic is hauled by diesel locomotives, with countries like the UK, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania highly dependent on diesel traction. While electrification efforts have been made, about half of Europe's train lines remain non-electrified. As a result, there is a significant potential risk to passengers and workers in train stations with poor air quality, given the large number of stations serving non-electrified lines and the high volume of rail use.
To address this issue, the UK rail industry is making advancements through government-funded initiatives. Additionally, hydrogen trains have been proposed as a solution for routes where electrification is not economically or technically viable.
Pollution's Harmful Impact: Understanding the Devastating Effects
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The UK has poorly documented air quality inside train stations
Trains are widely recognised as one of the most environmentally sustainable forms of mass transport, with significant savings in carbon emissions and energy usage compared to other modes of transport. However, the UK has poorly documented air quality inside train stations, and there are concerns about the impact of diesel trains on air quality.
Diesel engines are a major contributor to the transport sector's total NOx emissions, and diesel-powered trains are responsible for the lion's share of these emissions. In the UK, about 28% of the country's rolling stock and 90% of rail freight are diesel-powered. Additionally, approximately 40% of diesel engines used for traction on the GB railway are not certified to any emissions standard. The exhaust from diesel trains contains harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter, which can have negative effects on both the environment and human health.
A study published in April 2019 found that two major UK stations, Edinburgh Waverley and London King's Cross, were in breach of EU NO2 limits. This is not an isolated incident, as previous research at Birmingham New Street and London Paddington stations has also indicated high levels of emissions. The risk to passengers and workers is particularly prominent in enclosed railway stations, where exhaust emissions from diesel trains can accumulate and reduce air quality.
While there have been efforts to improve air quality in UK train stations, such as the phasing out of diesel trains and the development of government-funded initiatives, the lack of a comprehensive legislative framework has hindered progress. The UK rail industry is funding several research projects to better understand and monitor emissions at stations and across the network. These include the Rail Emissions and Air Quality Mapping project, which aims to create an online mapping tool to identify emissions hotspots.
The impact of diesel trains on air quality inside train stations is a serious concern, and further research and action are needed to address this issue effectively. While diesel trains have higher emissions than electric trains, it is important to note that the UK has a significant number of non-electrified train lines, and only 41% of train tracks are electrified. The complexity of the situation calls for a nuanced approach that considers various factors, such as the age of trains, the presence of tunnels, and the engine fuel mode, to develop effective strategies for improving air quality in train stations.
Cows and Climate Change: How Much Pollution Do They Create?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hybrid trains reduce carbon emissions of diesel trains by 19%
Diesel trains contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in enclosed spaces like train stations. A study by the University of Cambridge and other institutions found that the air quality in London's Paddington Station breached European limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) due to diesel train emissions. Another study from Copenhagen revealed that air quality inside diesel trains can be five times worse than beside a busy street, with higher levels of harmful particulates and an increased risk of lung cancer and other diseases.
In the UK, where only 41% of train tracks are electrified, diesel trains are a significant contributor to air pollution. While legislation exists to regulate diesel engine emissions, the UK rail industry is encouraged to renew its fleet to meet EU goals of reducing emissions by 2030.
Hybrid trains offer a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions from diesel trains. According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, hybrid trains can reduce carbon emissions from diesel trains by 19%. Hybrid trains utilize a combination of power sources, such as diesel motors, battery power, and regenerative braking, to reduce their environmental impact.
The benefits of hybrid trains are further emphasized when compared to other modes of transport. Trains are far more energy-efficient than cars or planes, and the development of electrified trains and renewable energy sources can further reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, the expansion of rail networks can lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, especially when compared to road and air transport.
In conclusion, hybrid trains play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions from diesel trains by 19%, contributing to improved air quality and public health, especially in urban areas with high train traffic.
Outboard Motors: Eco-Friendly or Polluting Our Oceans?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Diesel trains produce a variety of pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons, black carbon or soot, ultrafine particles, and carbon monoxide (CO). The amount of pollution varies depending on factors such as the age of the train, the presence of tunnels, and the engine fuel mode.
Diesel train pollution has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, as well as other lung and cardiovascular diseases. It is also associated with decreased cognitive function in older men.
Diesel trains emit about 0.2 pounds of greenhouse gases per passenger mile when each car is filled with 50 passengers. This is much lower than jet transportation (about 1 pound per passenger mile) and solo car drivers (about 1.15 pounds per passenger mile). However, in the United States, freight trains, which make up the majority of trains, emit more carbon pollution than many states.
Several strategies can be implemented to reduce diesel train pollution, including improving fuel economy, reducing idle time, and replacing or retrofitting older diesel engines with more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives, such as electric, hybrid, or hydrogen-powered trains.
Yes, there are regulations in place to control diesel train pollution. For example, the European Commission has implemented the Stage IIIA and IIIB standards, which aim to reduce the environmental impact of diesel engine exhaust emissions. Additionally, California's Air Resources Board has passed rules to fund cleaner locomotives and reduce rail idling near residential areas.
