Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Rajasthan, experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization, faces critical air quality challenges, particularly concerning toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene). This study presents a long-term analysis of BTEX concentrations across various cities in Rajasthan, India, using data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from 2017 to 2022. The findings revealed that the average ∑BTEX concentrations increased from 4.15 µg/m 3 in 2017 to 12.29 µg/m 3 in 2022, with a temporary decline in 2020. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for BTEX exposure ranged from 0.052 to 0.15 for males, 0.056 to 0.17 for females, and 0.09 to 0.29 for children over the study period, indicating higher health risks for children. Similarly, the Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) values varied from 6.04 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.92 × 10⁻ 5 for males, 1.09 × 10⁻⁶ to 2.24 × 10⁻ 5 for females, and 1.17 × 10⁻ 5 to 3.73 × 10⁻ 5 for children. The results demonstrate that children are at a greater cancer risk from BTEX exposure compared to adults. This study emphasizes the urgent need for effective air pollution control measures and continuous monitoring to protect public health, particularly vulnerable populations like children.
Source: Discover Public Health
Authors: Megha Tiwari, Bhupendra Pratap Singh, Priyanka Khichi, Saumya Kumari, Jyotsana Gupta, Priti Jain, Jamson Masih
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4403698855