This study aimed to assess workers' exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds in refueling stations of Ardabil city (Iran). Twenty-four refueling stations including 15 petrol and 9 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations from different regions were selected and monitored for ambient BTEX concentrations. Air samples were taken based on NIOSH Manual of Analytical Method no 1501. Target compounds were extracted using CS 2 and analyzed by GC equipped with FID. Average concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were obtained 2.01, 1.80, 2.72, and 1.65 mg/m 3 , respectively. Benzene concentrations exceeded the occupational exposure limit set by the Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Its concentrations were significantly higher in commercial areas (2.72 mg/m 3 ) compared to suburban areas (1.89 mg/m 3 ). BTEX concentrations in gasoline stations were slightly, but not significantly, higher than those in CNG stations. Long-term exposure cancer risk of 1884×10 −6 ±390× 10 −6 and hazard index of 22.83±3.66 were estimated for benzene and BTEX compounds, respectively. The results declare the necessity for controlling BTEX emission (mainly benzene) and monitoring employee's exposure in refueling stations.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.