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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Study of the health effects of bicycling in an urban atmosphere. Final report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5166850· OSTI ID:5166850

This report analyzes data on the health effects of bicycling in an urban environment through intensive study of ten healthy male subjects bicycling or driving in systematically varied conditions in the streets of Washington, D.C. Evaluation criteria for available technology and instrumentation are included and a methodology is developed for route selection. Specific air pollutants (carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfates, nitrates, and particulates) are measured concurrently with exposure and subsequent changes in health status identified through pulmonary function testing, cardiovascular testing, and blood and symptoms analysis. The report concludes that no major adverse short-term health effects were noted for ten healthy male subjects while bicycling or driving in levels of pollution and thermal stress encountered during the study period. Recommendations for further research are also presented.

Research Organization:
Messer Associates, Inc., Silver Spring, Md. (USA)
OSTI ID:
5166850
Report Number(s):
DOT-TES-78-001
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English