Automobile commuter exposures to volatile organic compounds: Emissions, malfunctions, and policy
The general population is exposed to the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) n-hexane, 3-methylpentane, benzene, toluene, isooctane, xylenes, ethylbenzene, and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, and to carbon monoxide (CO), and formaldehyde in many microenvironments, including the passenger compartments of automobiles. This study determined the in-vehicle exposures to the above gasoline derived VOCs, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde for automobile commuters during a suburban New Jersey and a New Jersey/New York commute. Measurements of VOC concentrations were determined within the passenger compartment of idling automobiles and along two commuting routes. Little difference in concentrations was seen between the two different interior ventilation extremes (windows open and vents on, windows closed and vents off) for properly functioning vehicles. However, exposures to all VOCs increased substantially when malfunctions occurred with the carburetor, electric choke, and fuel distribution system of one of the vehicles. These increases were largest when the vehicle`s windows were closed and ventilation system was off. Exposures to VOCs were lowest in the suburban commute, slightly higher on the New Jersey Turnpike, and highest in transit through the Lincoln Tunnel. The national daily average in-vehicle duration (93.2 minutes, or 6.5% of the day) and median in-vehicle benzene concentrations on the suburban and urban loops accounted for 9.3% and 10.3% of the total daily benzene exposures, respectively. Exposures nearly tripled for in-vehicle concentrations in the 90th percentile. Excess cancer risks from benzene exposure exceeded 1/10{sup 5} for benzene exposures above the 90th percentile. Lifetime cancer risks for formaldehyde exposures were below 1/10{sup 6}. Maximum n-hexane exposures were below the critical dose value for adverse effects to the central nervous system.
- Research Organization:
- Rutgers--the State Univ., New Brunswick, NJ (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 79306
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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