Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the concentration of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene (BTEX) compounds in the indoor air of residential-commercial complexes and to compare it with other residential buildings (control) as well as to assess the carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity risk of these pollutants. BTEX concentration was investigated in the indoor air of 30 ground floor restaurants, 30 upper residential units of the complexes, 20 adjacent residential units (control), and their corridors. The mean BTEX concentration measured in the upper residential units was reported higher than in the control residential units, though they were not significantly different. The lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) value calculated for benzene in the upper residential units was lower than 10−4 and higher than 10−6 across all ages, indicating a carcinogenicity risk. Furthermore, the mean hazard quotient (HQ) for all compounds was obtained lower than 1, suggesting no concern about the non-carcinogenicity risk of these compounds in the studied region. Nevertheless, considering the sources of benzene production in the indoor air as well as the carcinogenicity of these pollutants and the risk they pose in human health, application towards the reduction of the sources and concentration of benzene in the indoor air are necessary.
Highlights
As a result of their importance, the aim of this study is to investigate the concentration of BTEX compounds in the indoor air of residential-commercial complexes and to compare it with other residential buildings
The results indicate higher concentration of BTEX compounds in the indoor air of fast food and restaurant units in comparison to the indoor air of upper residential units
The concentration of BTEX compounds was higher in the indoor air of upper residential units compared to the control residential units
Summary
The aim of this study is to investigate the concentration of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene (BTEX) compounds in the indoor air of residential-commercial complexes and to compare it with other residential buildings (control) as well as to assess the carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity risk of these pollutants. Air pollution has recently claimed the highest importance among the environmental risk factors affecting human health [1] Given these concerns, there are serious indications for the role of indoor air pollution. Compounds have often been used as an indicator of the air quality in indoor environments, and include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes [4] These compounds constitute a group of aromatic hydrocarbons with special environmental properties, which can cause chronic toxicity even at low concentrations [5].
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