Distribution of selected gaseous organic mutagens and suspect carcinogens in ambient air

Journal Article · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00106a010· OSTI ID:6194534

Singh, H B; Salas, L J; Stiles, R E

An on-site field data collection program, based on short-term studies, was conducted in seven U.S. cities. Atmospheric concentrations, variabilities, and diurnal behaviors of 20 gaseous organic bacterial mutagens or suspect carcinogens are described. Except for benzene and formaldehyde, average concentration levels for all chemicals measured were in the 0-1-ppb range. Benzene and formaldehyde average levels were in the 1-6 and 10-20-ppb range, respectively. Typical diurnal profiles show highest concentrations during nighttime or early morning hours, with minimum concentrations in the afternoon hours; chemistry plays only a nominal role in defining this diurnal behavior in most cases. It is concluded that organic mutagens have always existed in the atmosphere (and the ocean), although at relatively low background concentrations. Our measurements for this group of 20 chemicals show that in the cleanest environments the present exposure is more than twice the natural background, whereas in the U.S. cities we studied exposure may be 15-30 times greater.

• Research Organization: SRI International, Menlo Park, CA
• OSTI ID: 6194534
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 16:12; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
ALDEHYDES
AROMATICS
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
BENZENE
CARCINOGENS
CHEMISTRY
DAILY VARIATIONS
DISTRIBUTION
FORMALDEHYDE
HYDROCARBONS
MUTAGENS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
URBAN AREAS
VARIATIONS