Benzene Levels Show Downward Trend

Benzene Trends

Source: Rhode Island DEM, Office of Air Resources

Photo: www.picturesof.net

In Rhode Island, Benzene levels have decreased since 1995 at monitoring stations in both East Providence (35% decrease) and West Greenwich (30% decrease). The auto fuel industry is largely responsible for these decreases. First, the addition of MTBE to gasoline - a policy adopted in the mid-1990s - has cut down on the amount of benzene in gasoline, and thus the benzene emissions stemming from automobile use. Second, widespread improvements in fuel efficiency have served to decrease benzene releases in Rhode Island. Through these measures, Rhode Island residents have been able to drive more miles while concurrently releasing less benzene into the air.

Benzene is a colorless liquid at room temperature, but is readily evaporated due to its relatively high vapor pressure. The EPA estimates it to be one of the most common hazardous air pollutants in New England. Anthropogenic factors - such as automobiles, industry, and cigarette smoke - are the largest contributors to the benzene problem in New England. While everyone is exposed to relatively small amounts of benzene on a daily basis, urban residents are more likely to be breathing elevated levels. This is due to the generally denser population of automobiles and industry in urban sectors.(Source: US EPA)

Chronic exposure to benzene has been linked to several serious health conditions, including leukemia, decreased red blood cells, and pregnancy complications. The EPA has established a chronic exposure level of 18.4ppb for benzene. The levels observed in Rhode Island are a small fraction of that, and have been steadily decreasing over the measurement period.(Source: US EPA)

Other Air Toxics Data:

Ozone

Formaldehyde

National Air Quality Standards

For more information:

http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/benviron/air/index.htm
A link to the RI Department of Environmental Management, Office of Air Resources

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