Analysis of the Impact of Ambient Pressure Variations on the Health of Drivers and Passengers in Road Transport

Jacek Wiederek; Magdalena Chmiel; Piotr Kisielewski

doi:10.2478/phr-2025-0022

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Analysis of the Impact of Ambient Pressure Variations on the Health of Drivers and Passengers in Road Transport

Polish Hyperbaric Research

Volume 93 (2025): Issue 4 (December 2025)

By: Jacek Wiederek, Magdalena Chmiel and Piotr Kisielewski

Open Access

|Aug 2026

Abstract

This article addresses the problematic, yet frequently occurring, fluctuations in atmospheric pressure to which users of modern transport are exposed. These fluctuations occur, among other things, during passages through tunnels, on mountain routes, and as a result of HVAC systems and the structural properties of vehicle cabins. Exposure is caused by substances other than the effects of exhaust emissions or hyperbaric conditions, which may include substances originating from the respiratory system, respiratory system, and nervous system. Their repetitive nature, particularly in the work of professional drivers, can generate discomfort, headaches, disturbances, or side effects, which impact road safety. The paper also includes conclusions regarding the design of cabins and systems, as well as driver work organization, which can contribute to reducing the impact of these phenomena.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/phr-2025-0022 | Journal eISSN: 2084-0535 | Journal ISSN: 1734-7009

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Language: English

Page range: 19 - 30

Submitted on: Aug 12, 2025

Accepted on: Sep 17, 2025

Published on: Aug 29, 2026

Published by: Polish Hyperbaric Medicine and Technology Society

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

road transport,

safety,

management,

health,

pressure,

hyperbaric conditions

Related subjects:

Engineering,

Introductions and overviews,

Engineering, other,

Bioengineering and biomedical engineering,

Bionanotechnology,

Medicine,

Clinical medicine,

Hygiene and environmental medicine,

Sports and recreation,

Sports and recreation, other

© 2026 Jacek Wiederek, Magdalena Chmiel, Piotr Kisielewski, published by Polish Hyperbaric Medicine and Technology Society
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Volume 93 (2025): Issue 4 (December 2025)