(105c) Review of Particulate Matter Concentrations within School Bus Passenger Compartments

Recent studies have reported elevated levels of diesel particulate matter inside school bus passenger compartments. The elevated particulate levels have been attributed to the self-pollution from the school bus tailpipe and/or crankcase. Up to date there are still uncertainties as to the source of the particulate matter found in-cabin which can be attributed to the bus self-pollution as well as ambient pollution, neighboring vehicles, and re-entrained road dust. The issue has gained national attention because children are a particularly susceptible group to the adverse health effects from diesel particulate matter. Rowan University is currently conducting a study to investigate the concentrations of fine and ultrafine particles within the cabin of a school bus with and without retrofit technologies.

This paper will present a review of the studies that have been conducted to investigate particulate matter in school buses. The general conclusion from these studies is that retrofit technologies can significantly reduce diesel particulate concentrations inside school bus cabins.

The results of the Rowan University study are currently under review and can not be released at this time.