Benzene emissions from motor vehicle traffic in the urban area of milan: Hypothesis of health impact assessment

Several problems concerning air quality in urban areas with special regard to benzene pollution from motor vehicle traffic are described. Some medical and regulatory aspects relative to the exposure of population and specific classes of workers are given particular stress. Benzene concentrations measured in the metropolitan area of Milan in an extensive monitoring campaign are presented together with historical carbon monoxide (CO) measurements realized by the Milan air pollution network. Starting from these two series of values a typical ratio between CO and benzene has been calculated and it has been found to be consistent with literature data. A risk assessment hypothesis has been performed using a simple model based on both kinds of data mentioned above.