Reports: Air Pollution Levels on Metra Trains Worse Than Was Previously Disclosed

According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, the level of toxic diesel pollution in Metra's passenger trains is higher than was previously disclosed to the public. In some cars, the levels were above what is found on urban streets.

Pollutants in the form of soot can penetrate a person's lungs and enter the bloodstream.

The highest levels of lung-damaging soot inside Metra's steel cars were found in outbound trains leaving the Ogilvie Transportation Center. High levels also were found on trains leaving the LaSalle Street station.

Metra's testing summary shows that the level of pollution can depend on where commuters sit and whether they are riding trains downtown or out towards the suburbs. For example, the Tribune reports that "soot levels generally were highest inside the first car behind the locomotive, dropped in the second car and declined substantially in the last car. Moreover, levels were dramatically lower on return trips downtown using the same locomotives."

To read the full Chicago Tribune article, click here. To read Metra's reports for yourself, click here.