Personal exposure to benzene of selected population groups and impact of commuting modes in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2013-04, Vol.175, p.56-63
• Main Authors: Lan, Tran Thi Ngoc, Liem, Ngo Quang, Binh, Nguyen Thi Thanh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air Pollutants - analysis; Air Pollution - statistics & numerical data; Air. Soil. Water. Waste. Feeding; Benzene; Benzene - analysis; Biological and medical sciences; Cities; Commuter; Environment. Living conditions; Environmental Exposure - analysis; Environmental Exposure - statistics & numerical data; gasoline; Ho Chi Minh; human resources; Humans; Medical sciences; Motor Vehicles - statistics & numerical data; Motorcycle exhaust; people; Personal exposure; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Risk Assessment; traffic; Transportation - methods; Transportation - statistics & numerical data; Vehicle Emissions - analysis; Vietnam
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2012.12.017

Personal exposure to benzene of selected population groups, and impacts of traffic on commuters in Ho Chi Minh City were investigated. The study was carried out in June, July and November 2010. The preliminary data showed that on average, personal exposure to benzene for non-occupational people in Ho Chi Minh is ∼18 μg/m3 and most of the exposure is due to commuting. Benzene exposure during travelling by bus, taxi and motorcycle is, respectively, 22–30, 22–39 and 185–240 μg/m3. Motorcycle–taxi drivers, petrol filling employees and street vendors suffer high daily exposures at 116, 52, 32 μg/m3, respectively. Further measurements are needed for a better risk assessment and finding effective measures to reduce exposure. ► Personal exposure to benzene in Ho Chi Minh was ∼18 μg/m3. ► Exposure during commuting was 22–39 μg/m3 for bus and taxi modes. ► Exposure during commuting was 185–240 μg/m3 for motorcycle mode. ► Benzene exposure during commuting time contributes main part of daily exposure. ► Motorcycle–taxi drivers, petrol-filling employees and street vendors are people of high exposure. Average non-occupational personal exposure to benzene in Ho Chi Minh is ∼18 μg/m3, most of exposure is due to commuting. Exposure during commuting by motorcycle is 116 μg/m3.