Title: Traffic-related exposure to benzene and toluene

Authors: Pei-Ling Leung, Roy M. Harrison

Addresses: Institute of Public and Environmental Health, School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. Institute of Public and Environmental Health, School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK

Abstract: Monoaromatic hydrocarbon concentrations were measured within moving vehicles and at a fixed point on the road. Pedestrian exposure to these aromatics was also assessed by sampling along busy roads at heights of 1 m and 1.5 m. A comparison of in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle concentrations showed little difference, which indicated that the main source of in-vehicle pollution was the surrounding vehicle emissions. Roadside and in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle concentrations were typically several times higher (in congested roads) than those measured at a background monitoring station based in a suburban region of Birmingham (Ward End). Pedestrian exposure was also greater than background concentrations. Concentrations were greater at a height of 1 m than at 1.5 m, owing to the closer proximity of vehicle exhaust pipes, but only by a factor of 1.21 for benzene and 1.19 for toluene.

Keywords: benzene; in-vehicle pollution; personal exposure; toluene; traffic emissions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1998.001829

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1998 Vol.20 No.1/2/3/4, pp.55-59

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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