A Survey of BTEX Concentrations in selected Automotive Paint Shops and their Vicinities in Thailand

Authors

  • Tawach Prechthai Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University
  • Injira Niyoomtoon Environmental Sanitation Division, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
  • Chatchawal Singhakant Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University
  • Danaya Wongsirikul Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University
  • Kraichat Tantrakanapa Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University
  • Tanasri Sihabut Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University

Keywords:

BTEX, VOCs, Painting, Nuisance, สารอินทรีย์ระเหย, การพ่นสี, เหตุรำคาญ

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study was to conduct a preliminary survey of the concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) in ambient workplaces of 94 automotive paint shops and their surrounding communities in Bangkok, Thailand. Results showed that the average toluene concentration emitted from these shops was higher than other compounds. Although none exceeded the short time exposure limit (STEL) recommended by National Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), except for benzene detected in a few shops, many measured concentrations of toluene and xylene exceeded the odor threshold, which could possibly be a cause of odor nuisance. Therefore, these two compounds should be measured in this type of shops in order to be used as source tracers when odor complaint occurs.

Key words: BTEX, VOCs, Painting, Nuisance

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Issue

Vol. 40 No. 1: January - April 2010

Section

Original Articles

License

Creative Commons License CC-BY-ND