Air quality in waste treatment plants and in underground railway or subway systems. State of knowledge and ways of improvements

Summary

People's exposure to air pollution is a growing concern, both in terms of atmospheric air and in the home, workplace and transport. With this project, RECORD wanted to take a closer look at the air quality in waste treatment facilities (=> worker exposure) and underground rail transport facilities (=> exposure of the general population). The study was based on an international bibliography of recent publications on the subject and on interviews. The report is divided into three distinct parts. The first sets out in a didactic manner the theoretical and scientific elements needed to get to grips with the subject (flow physics, diagnostic tools and modelling). The second and third parts, which are highly illustrated, are devoted to waste treatment enclosures and underground rail transport enclosures respectively. For each type of enclosure, the regulatory aspects and best practice concerning ventilation are presented, followed by the concentrations of pollutants in the air. Finally, possible areas for improvement are presented, with recommendations where possible.