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Using Virtual Reality to Combat Urban Air Pollution
A recent study published on September 25 in the Royal Society Open Science journal suggests that physics-informed virtual reality (VR) might play a crucial role in reducing pedestrian and cyclist exposure to harmful vehicle emissions. The research, led by the University of Birmingham, addresses significant health risks associated with unregulated particle pollutants found in urban environments.
The health impacts of non-exhaust emissions from vehicles—primarily from road, tire, and brake wear—pose a chronic risk to the public. This innovative study aims to provide accessible information for the public, policymakers, and city planners through immersive VR experiences that visualize the dispersal of these unseen pollutants.
Utilizing advanced computational fluid dynamics models, the researchers simulated the emission and spread of these particles—imperceptible to the naked eye. The goal was to educate city dwellers on when and where pollution levels are highest, enabling them to navigate crowded urban areas with greater awareness and safety.
Public engagement with the VR models took place in Birmingham city center, recognized as the second most populated city in the UK and a significant contributor to national PM2.5 emissions due to brake and tire wear, as reported by the UK National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI).
Dr. Jason Stafford, the Principal Investigator at the University of Birmingham, emphasized the critical importance of air quality for societal health and well-being. He noted that even with the transition to electric vehicles, small particles from brakes, tires, and roadways continue to contaminate the air.
Dr. Stafford stated, “Computational models can help us to understand the pollution pathways and identify key moments in people’s daily journeys where exposure risk is highest. By making these non-exhaust pollutants visible within a virtual urban environment using our models, people were able to actually see the dangers with their own eyes and act accordingly to reduce or avoid exposure wherever possible.”
Furthermore, the findings from this research indicate potential changes in urban design to promote cleaner air. Dr. Stafford pointed out that data revealed that exposure risks escalate at the end of braking maneuvers. Consequently, many bus stops, pedestrian crossings, and cycling paths are often situated within these high-risk areas, such as road junctions where pollution disperses most widely.
This research not only exposes the shortcomings of existing urban layouts concerning air quality but also advocates for the redesign of city spaces to foster healthier environments, especially in areas where vehicular traffic is in close proximity to pedestrians and cyclists.
More information:
Evaluating exposure to vehicle pollutants using physics-informed immersive reality models, Royal Society Open Science (2024). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.241111. royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241111
Citation:
Study shows virtual reality may help pedestrians and cyclists avoid harmful pollutants (2024, September 25) retrieved 25 September 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-09-virtual-reality-pedestrians-cyclists-pollutants.html
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