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Scand J Work Environ Health

Title:		Particle-bound benzene from diesel engine exhaust
Author(s):		Muzyka V; Veimer S; Shmidt N;
Address:		"Laboratory of Environmental Carcinogens, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Tallinn, Estonia. muzyka@ekmi.online.ee"
Journal Title:		Scand J Work Environ Health
Year:		1998
Volume:		24
Issue:		6
Page Number:		481 - 485
DOI:		10.5271/sjweh.372
ISSN/ISBN:		0355-3140 (Print) 0355-3140 (Linking)
Abstract:		"OBJECTIVES: The large surface area of the carbon core of diesel exhaust particles may contribute to the adsorption or condensation of such volatile carcinogenic organic compounds as benzene. The attention of this study focused on determining the distribution of benzene between the gas and particulate phases in the breathing zone of bus garage workers. METHODS: Benzene and suspended particulate matter were evaluated jointly in the air of a municipal bus garage. Personal passive monitors were used for benzene sampling in the breathing zone of the workers. Active samplers were used for sampling diesel exhaust particles and the benzene associated with them. The benzene levels were measured by gas chromatography. RESULTS: Diesel engine exhaust from buses was the main source of air pollution caused by benzene and particles in this study. The concentration of benzene in the gas and particulate phases showed a wide range of variation, depending on the distance of the workplace from the operating diesel engine. Benzene present in the breathing zone of the workers was distributed between the gas and particulate phases. The amounts of benzene associated with particles were significantly lower in summer than in winter. CONCLUSIONS: The particulate matter of diesel exhaust contains benzene in amounts comparable to the concentrations of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and the usually found nitro-PAH. The concentration of benzene in the gas phase and in the suspended particulate matter of air can serve as an additional indicator of exposure to diesel exhaust and its carcinogenicity"
Keywords:		"Analysis of Variance Benzene/adverse effects/*analysis Carcinogens/adverse effects/*analysis Humans Male Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/*analysis/statistics & numerical data Statistics, Nonparametric Vehicle Emissions/adverse effects/*analysis;"
Notes:		"MedlineMuzyka, V Veimer, S Shmidt, N eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Finland 1999/02/13 Scand J Work Environ Health. 1998 Dec; 24(6):481-5. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.372"