Automobile proximity and indoor residential concentrations of BTEX and MTBE

Diana E. Hun, Richard L. Corsi, Maria T. Morandi, Jeffrey A. Siegel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Attached garages have been identified as important sources of indoor residential air pollution. However, the literature lacks information on how the proximity of cars to the living area affects indoor concentrations of gasoline-related compounds, and the origin of these pollutants. We analyzed data from the Relationships of Indoor, Outdoor, and Personal Air (RIOPA) study and evaluated 114 residences with cars in an attached garage, detached garage or carport, or without cars. Results indicate that homes with cars in attached garages were affected the most. Concentrations in homes with cars in detached garages and residences without cars were similar. The contribution from gasoline-related sources to indoor benzene and MTBE concentrations appeared to be dominated by car exhaust, or a combination of tailpipe and gasoline vapor emissions. Residing in a home with an attached garage could lead to benzene exposures ten times higher than exposures from commuting in heavy traffic.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication12th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate 2011
Pages1624-1629
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2011
Event12th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate 2011 - Austin, TX, United States
Duration: Jun 5 2011Jun 10 2011

Publication series

Name12th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate 2011
Volume2

Conference

Conference12th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAustin, TX
Period06/5/1106/10/11

Keywords

  • Attached garages
  • Benzene
  • Exposure
  • Gasoline
  • RIOPA

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