Monitoring of benzene in ambient air with organic vapor badges

Abstract

Benzene is a toxic substance commonly found in ambient air, especially in the urban environment. Benzene is an industrial solvent and is also a component of gasoline, typically present in concentrations of 1-2 percent. Evaporative emissions account for some of the benzene in ambient air. However, benzene can also be produced in combustion processes including those in automobiles and can be emitted with the exhaust into the environment. Recently, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has identified benzene as the first pollutant to be controlled under its toxic air contaminant control program. Thus, there is a need for an accurate, reliable, low-cost technique for the routine monitoring of benzene. This paper compares monitoring methods. 6 references, 3 figures, 1 table.