Determination of Benzene in Ambient Air: Health and Environmental Risks and Methods

Determination of Benzene in Ambient Air

What is Benzene?

Benzene is a simple organic chemical compound and is usually found as a flammable, colorless liquid. It is widely used in industrial processes as a solvent and raw material in the production of many chemicals. However, benzene is also a major pollutant compound associated with air pollution. Benzene, which is also released from natural sources, enters the atmosphere from petroleum refining, gasoline-powered engines, industrial plants and combustion processes.

Why is Determination of Benzene in Ambient Air Important?

Benzene is a chemical compound that carries serious risks to human health. Exposure to air pollution has been associated with long-term and low levels of exposure to benzene, which is generally known to be carcinogenic. Benzene can cause acute toxic effects and chronic diseases. While acute exposure can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems such as leukemia. Therefore, regular monitoring of benzene on air quality is essential to protect human health and manage environmental risks.

Methods and Analysis Process

The determination of benzene in ambient air is usually performed using analysis methods such as gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Here are the methods and processes used for benzene determination:

1. Air Sampling: Benzene analysis uses either active or passive sampling methods. Active samplers take samples by pumping air at a specific rate. This method can measure precisely even at low concentrations. Passive samplers, on the other hand, work naturally under the influence of environmental airflow and provide long-term exposure of samples.
2. Collection of Samples: Sampling is usually done using filters or tubes equipped with adsorbents. An active or passive sampling unit draws benzene into these filters where it accumulates.
3. Extraction and Cleaning: In the laboratory, benzene is extracted from the filters or adsorbents. Using organic solvents, benzene is separated from these materials. Cleaning processes are necessary to purify benzene from samples. This step ensures accurate analysis by separating benzene from other compounds in the sample.
4. Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS): The extracted benzene is separated by gas chromatography and then its chemical structure is analyzed by mass spectrometry. This method recognizes specific ions of benzene and determines its concentration and purity.
5. Calibration and Quality Control: The analysis is validated using calibration standards and quality control materials. This guarantees the accuracy and reliability of the results.

Related Regulations and Standards

Benzene determination is performed according to environmental and air quality regulations in many countries and internationally. In Turkey, the “Air Quality Management Regulation” and the European Union's limits and monitoring criteria for benzene require benzene to be present within certain limits and monitored regularly. These regulations set specific limits to monitor pollution, protect public health and manage environmental risks.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Benzene Determination in Ambient Air. We also provide services in Emission - Imission Measurements.

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