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- Title
Unveiling BTX dynamics, source identification, and health implications during COVID-19 lockdown.
- Authors
Singh, Bhupendra Pratap; Gupta, Jyotsana; Jain, Priti; Raish, Mohammad; Bin Jardan, Yousef A.; Rahman, Shakilur
- 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/m3 in 2019, 8.08 ± 5.50 µg/m3 in 2020, and 5.12 ± 7.56 µg/m3 in 2021. LCR values also fluctuated, with averages of 1.12 × 10−5, 1.23 × 10−5, and 6.91 × 10−6 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.
- Subjects
INDIA; 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
- Publication
Discover Public Health, 2024, Vol 21, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
3005-0774
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1186/s12982-024-00193-y