Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain
A groundbreaking study published in the Royal Society Open Science journal suggests that using physics-informed virtual reality could be a game-changer in reducing the exposure of pedestrians and cyclists to harmful non-exhaust vehicle emissions. The University of Birmingham led research aims to address the significant health risks posed by unregulated particle pollutants from road, tire, and brake sources by offering immersive VR experiences as a solution for public awareness, policy-making, and urban planning.
By utilizing detailed computational fluid dynamics models to visualize the release and dispersion of these invisible particles from vehicles, individuals can gain insights into when these pollutants are most prevalent and learn how to navigate urban environments more safely. The study tested VR models with participants in Birmingham city center, shedding light on the city’s contribution to UK PM2.5 emissions from brake and tire wear.
Dr. Jason Stafford, the Principal Investigator at the University of Birmingham emphasized the importance of air quality on society’s well-being despite advancements in electric vehicles. He stated that computational models play a crucial role in understanding pollution pathways and identifying high-risk exposure moments during daily commutes. By making non-exhaust pollutants visible through virtual urban environments, individuals can take proactive steps to minimize or avoid exposure wherever possible.
2024-09-25 01:15:02
Link from phys.org