Health Effects of Exposure to High Concentrations of Automotive Emissions

Abstract

On-site and remote health evaluations were performed on 550 employees of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority in New York City. Extremely high ambient air pollution was observed. Carbon monoxide averaged 63 ppm over a 30-day period with a maximum hourly concentration of 217 ppm in one facility. Eighty-five percent of the smoking and 47% of the nonsmoking tunnel workers had carboxyhemoglobin saturations in excess of 3%. A high percentage of the group had symptoms suggestive of chronic bronchitis; airway resistance was elevated in one third and almost all bridge and tunnel workers had an increase in closing volume, suggesting small airway disease.