EXPOSURE TO BENZENE AND ALKYLBENZENES IN MOTOR-CARS

EXPOSITION FOER BENSEN OCH ALKYLBENSENER I BIL

Combustion of fossil fuels causes environmental problems due to organic compounds in the exhaust. Many occupational groups work in the street environment, and knowledge of concentrations is essential for assessment of health hazards. Measurements were made of aromatic hydrocarbons inside taxis driving in town traffic. Mean concentrations found were 58 micro gramme per cubic metre benzene, 175 toluene, 155 xylene, 31 ethyl benzene, 147 alkyl benzenes. The relative concentrations of hydrocarbons are the same in all measurements, and are in good agreement with the corresponding relative concentrations in petrol. In heavy traffic and/or when queues form, concentrations are 2-5 times those in low traffic volumes. The mean concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons inside taxis is about 3 times the mean value for public transport in an urban environment. The concentrations are greatly influenced by weather conditions, especially air change between the street and the atmosphere. Improvements can be effected by stricter emission control and reduction in aromatic hydrocarbon and lead content. Fresh air intakes should be equipped with adsorption filters, and ventilation system should be modified. The inside of the car should be at a higher pressure. (TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

  Department of Applied Mechanics/CHARMEC
  Gothenburg,   Sweden 
• Authors:
  • Otterlin, S
• Publication Date: 1979

Language

• Swedish

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 31 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air quality management; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Concentration (Chemistry); Environmental impacts; Exhaust gases; Hydrocarbons; Measurement; Motor vehicles; Taxicabs; Traffic volume; Urban areas; Vehicle compartments; Vehicle interiors
• ITRD Terms: 7358: Aromatic compounds; 7132: Concentration (chem); 2442: Emission; 7367: Hydrocarbon; 1377: Interior (veh); 6136: Measurement; 1148: Taxi
• Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00316906
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)
• Report/Paper Numbers: Monograph
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 27 1980 12:00AM