Effect of Elevated PM2.5 Levels on Rail Workers' Health
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the potential health risks of elevated PM2.5 levels for rail workers in underground stations and tunnels. Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye inquired if these levels constitute occupational hazards and asked for details on mitigation plans following a recent air quality study. Minister for Transport S Iswaran responded that health risks remain low due to limited daily exposure and that station air quality generally meets national standards. He detailed mitigation measures including regular maintenance, the installation of finer PM2.5 filters, and upgrading air-conditioning systems for certain lines by 2025. Lastly, the Minister noted that tunnel air quality is monitored and ventilation fans are deployed during heavy maintenance to ensure safety.
Transcript
49 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport in view of the recent study on air quality in underground train stations in Singapore published on ScienceDirect website (a) whether the elevated levels of PM2.5 are an occupational health hazard for rail workers; and (b) if so, what are the plans to mitigate the health risk posed to those working in underground train stations and in the train tunnels.
Mr S Iswaran: The 2018 study on air quality referenced by Mr Melvin Yong noted that the air quality in most of our underground train stations was within acceptable limits under the Singapore Standard Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality for Air-Conditioned Buildings, or SS554. While the PM2.5 levels measured during peak hours at some underground train stations along the North-South and East-West lines exceeded the 24-hour mean exposure limit, the health risk to rail workers is low as they, generally, spend only four to five hours a day, on average, at the station platforms.
Notwithstanding, inspection, maintenance and cleaning of air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems are carried out regularly to ensure good ventilation at station platforms. To further improve air quality, more efficient filters that can trap finer dust particles, such as PM2.5, have been installed at station platforms. Air-conditioning systems for underground train stations along the North-South and East-West lines are progressively being upgraded and will be completed by 2025.
As for train tunnels, air quality is regularly monitored to ensure air quality is kept within acceptable limits. Tunnel ventilation fans are deployed to ventilate the tunnels during heavy maintenance works.