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Health and safety hazards associated with subways: A review

  • Special Feature: Mass Transit
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Journal of Urban Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Subway systems are key components in mass transportation networks worldwide, providing rapid and affordable transportation to urban communities in 58 different countries. The benefits afforded by subway transit are numerous and mainly derived from the reduction in automobile use, thereby limiting environmental and health hazards associated with exhaust-air emissions. Additionally, by limiting congestion and providing vital transportation links within a city, subways also improve the overall quality of life of urban communities. However, to best maximize the positive impact on the urban environment, subway systems need to provide a safe and healthy environment for both passengers and subway transit workers. Periodically, safety concerns are raised, most recently in relation to the vulnerability of subways to terrorist attacks. To examine this issue more carefully, we conducted a structured review of the literature to identify and characterize potential health and safety hazards associated with subways. A secondary goal was to identify various risk management strategies designed to minimize the risk of these hazards. This information may be helpful to urban communities, urban planners, public health specialists, and others interested in subway safety.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 600 West 168th Street, 4th Floor, 10032, New York, NY

    R. R. M. Gershon DrPH.,  K. A. Qureshi,  M. A. Barrera &  M. J. Erwin

  2. Transit Workers Union Local, 600 West 168th Street, 4th Floor, 10032, New York, NY

    F. Goldsmith

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  1. R. R. M. Gershon DrPH.
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  2. K. A. Qureshi
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  3. M. A. Barrera
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  4. M. J. Erwin
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  5. F. Goldsmith
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Correspondence to R. R. M. Gershon DrPH..

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Gershon, R.R.M., Qureshi, K.A., Barrera, M.A. et al. Health and safety hazards associated with subways: A review. J Urban Health 82, 10–20 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1093/jurban/jti004

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jurban/jti004

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