Open AccessBTEX Emissions, Seasonal Variability and its Associated Health Risks on Human Health in Outdoor Air of Delhi
Author(s) -
Anchal Garg,
N. C. Gupta
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
iop conference series. earth and environmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1755-1307
pISSN - 1755-1315
DOI - 10.1088/1755-1315/489/1/012021
Subject(s) - btex , environmental science , benzene , gasoline , air pollution , environmental chemistry , xylene , ethylbenzene , pollutant , health risk assessment , diesel fuel , pollution , health risk , environmental engineering , environmental health , waste management , chemistry , medicine , organic chemistry , engineering , ecology , biology
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are classified as hazardous compounds and their toxic effects on human health are well documented. These compounds are volatile in nature and play an important role in atmospheric chemistry as they react with nitrogen dioxide to form secondary air pollutants like ozone. These compounds are emitted into the atmosphere by various anthropogenic sources including motorized transport run on gasoline and diesel, fuel wood combustion, furniture materials and many other consumerism processes also contribute. In this study, we have selected a major connectivity hub location for the sampling of BTEX. The BTEX samples were obtained through activated charcoal tube using passive method of sampling and were subjected for analysis using GC-FID from November, 2017 to June 2018. It has been observed that the levels of BTEX were found higher for winter season followed by autumn, spring and least during summer season. The associated cancer and non-cancer risks were calculated using the USEPA methodology for health risk assessment. The levels of toluene were higher than xylene followed by ethylbenzene and benzene. The standard for benzene proposed by Central Pollution Control Board is 5 μg/m 3 but in this work the levels were observed higher than the standard value. It has been found that the levels of toluene were 3-4 times higher during the traffic period in comparison with non-traffic period. The estimated cancer risks of benzene were observed to be higher than the prescribed standard value by World Health Organization. These high levels of emissions and their associated health risks is a matter of concern for the public health.