Tunnelluft

Tunnelluft refers to the air found within tunnels, particularly road, rail, or mining tunnels. The quality of tunnelluft is a significant concern for health and safety, as it can be affected by various factors. Vehicular traffic in road tunnels is a primary source of air pollution. Emissions from internal combustion engines, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, can accumulate rapidly in the confined space of a tunnel. This can lead to reduced visibility and pose health risks to drivers, passengers, and tunnel workers.

In mining tunnels, the air quality is influenced by geological conditions and excavation processes. Dust generated from drilling, blasting, and material handling can be a major hazard, potentially causing respiratory diseases like silicosis or black lung disease. Additionally, natural gases, such as methane or carbon dioxide, can be present in underground formations and pose risks of explosion or asphyxiation.

Effective ventilation systems are crucial for maintaining acceptable tunnelluft quality. These systems can be designed to extract polluted air and supply fresh air, thereby diluting contaminants and ensuring adequate oxygen levels. The design and operation of these ventilation systems are tailored to the specific type of tunnel and its intended use, taking into account factors like traffic volume, tunnel length, and potential pollutant sources. Monitoring of air quality parameters is also a standard practice to ensure that ventilation is effective and to alert authorities to any dangerous conditions.