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Unveiling BTX dynamics, source identification, and health implications during COVID-19 lockdown.
- Source :
- Discover Public Health; 9/9/2024, Vol. 21 Issue 1, p1-14, 14p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, marked by stringent lockdowns and reduced human activity, resulted in a significant decrease in air pollutant emissions. This study investigates the impact of these altered atmospheric conditions on human health by focusing on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, and meta-xylene (BTX), comparing data from before, during, and after the pandemic lockdowns. The objectives were to assess changes in Total VOC (TVOC) concentrations and to evaluate the associated health risks, particularly Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) from benzene exposure. Analysis of the data revealed a notable reduction in TVOCs during the 2020 lockdown, with average concentrations of 12.15 ± 20.49 µg/m<superscript>3</superscript> in 2019, 8.08 ± 5.50 µg/m<superscript>3</superscript> in 2020, and 5.12 ± 7.56 µg/m<superscript>3</superscript> in 2021. LCR values also fluctuated, with averages of 1.12 × 10<superscript>−5</superscript>, 1.23 × 10<superscript>−5</superscript>, and 6.91 × 10<superscript>−6</superscript> or pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, and post-pandemic periods, respectively. The findings highlight the potential effectiveness of lockdowns in reducing air pollution and underscore the need for continued, targeted environmental policies to improve public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- AIR pollution prevention
TUMOR risk factors
HYDROCARBON analysis
NITRIC oxide analysis
AMMONIA analysis
CARBON monoxide analysis
BENZENE derivatives
AIR pollution
RISK assessment
HEALTH status indicators
HYDROCARBONS
AUTOMOBILE emissions
ATMOSPHERE
STAY-at-home orders
PRE-tests & post-tests
TRANSPORTATION
BUSINESS
ANTHROPOGENIC effects on nature
SOLVENTS
OZONE
OXIDES
PUBLIC health
COVID-19 pandemic
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 30050774
- Volume :
- 21
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Discover Public Health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 179534907
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-024-00193-y