Measurements of volatile organic compounds in car showrooms in the province of Varese (Northern Italy)

P>Car dealer showrooms furnished with desk areas are a work place whose occupants may be exposed to evaporative emissions from the exhibited cars. The aim of the study was to identify and quantify the main organic compounds present in car dealer showrooms as a result of evaporative emissions from the exhibited cars and to evaluate the personal exposure concentrations of car vendors working in these areas. A total of 19 volatile organic compounds (aromatic compounds, aldehydes and terpenes) were investigated and quantified. Additionally, levels of the same chemicals were measured in the private houses of the car vendors for comparison purposes. All measurements were taken using passive samplers over a consecutive time period of 5 days. Concentrations in the showrooms were on average 12 times higher than the ambient concentration around the showrooms and 10 times higher than the concentrations measured in the private houses of the vendors. Benzene concentrations inside the showrooms ranged from 11 to 93.2 mu g/m3. The personal exposure concentrations of the vendors reached time-weighted levels up to 57.3 mu g/m3 with minimum values around 10 mu g/m3. The results of the study show the significant contributing factor of work place emissions on the vendors' overall exposure load. Practical Implications The high concentrations of some volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene, that were measured in the showrooms highlight the need to safeguard the vendors' health. Measures for reducing personal exposure concentrations could include removing the vendors' desks from the showroom where the cars are exhibited, optimizing the ventilation inside the showrooms and minimizing evaporative emissions from the cars.