Abstract
Attached garages are known to be associated with indoor air volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study looked at indoor exposure to VOCs presumably from evaporative emissions of gasoline. Alaskan gasoline contains 5% benzene making benzene a marker for gasoline exposure. A survey of randomly chosen houses with attached garages was done in Anchorage Alaska to determine the exposure and assess respiratory health. Householders were asked to complete a health survey for each person and a household survey. They monitored indoor air in their primary living space for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes for one week using passive organic vapor monitoring badges. Benzene levels in homes ranged from undetectable to 58 parts per billion. The median benzene level in 509 homes tested was 2.96 ppb. Elevated benzene levels in the home were strongly associated with small engines and gasoline stored in the garage. High concentrations of benzene in gasoline increase indoor air levels of benzene in residences with attached garages exposing people to benzene at levels above ATSDR’s minimal risk level. Residents reported more severe symptoms of asthma in the homes with high gasoline exposure (16%) where benzene levels exceeded the 9 ppb.
Highlights
Over the past two decades volatile organic compounds (VOCs) measured in Alaska have had higher concentrations in both indoor and ambient air than most other cities in the United States [1]
Previous studies in Alaska have shown that attached garages are a significant source of benzene and other VOCs in the living space of the home
This project measured indoor VOCs, including benzene, in a random sample of homes with attached garages and investigated whether respiratory symptoms were associated with VOC exposure where the exposure was from evaporative emissions rather than combustion of gasoline
Summary
Over the past two decades volatile organic compounds (VOCs) measured in Alaska have had higher concentrations in both indoor and ambient air than most other cities in the United States [1]. Previous studies in Alaska have shown that attached garages are a significant source of benzene and other VOCs in the living space of the home. This project measured indoor VOCs, including benzene, in a random sample of homes with attached garages and investigated whether respiratory symptoms were associated with VOC exposure where the exposure was from evaporative emissions rather than combustion of gasoline. Alaska is not required to use reformulated gasoline.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
