The exposure of the population to toxic substances in the interior of motor vehicles--the example of benzene
Eikmann, T.; Kramer, M.; Goebel, H.
Zentralblatt für Hygiene und Umweltmedizin 193(1): 41-52
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0934-8859 PMID: 1380238 Document Number: 399191
The exposure of the population to benzene is caused in the first place by emissions of the motor-vehicle traffic. The air pollution concentrations in main traffic routes and in the sphere of influence of industrial plants amount to 5-30 micrograms Benzene/m3 in the course of the year. In indoor air about 6-12 micrograms/m3 are detectable, in the interior of motor-vehicles between 50 and 200 micrograms/m3. Smoking raises the individual burden significantly; in contrast food and drinking water amount only for a small part of the total intake of benzene. In rural areas with low outdoor-air concentrations the main source of burden can be the intake of benzene during the use of motor-vehicles. Despite the relatively low carcinogenic potency of benzene but because of the unfavourable exposure conditions and the comparatively high concentrations measures for the reduction of benzene in fuel should be taken immediately.