Air Pollutant Mapping with a Mobile Laboratory During the BEE-TEX Field Study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Air Quality Monitoring
• Toxicology

Background:

• Houston Ship Channel is a known industrial area with potential for hazardous air pollutants.
• Human health risks associated with exposure to volatile organic hydrocarbons (VOCs) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate atmospheric concentrations of key hazardous air pollutants in Houston neighborhoods.
• To assess human health risks associated with measured pollutant levels, specifically focusing on benzene and 1,3-butadiene.
• To identify and visualize the impact of local emission sources on air quality.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of the Aerodyne Mobile Laboratory for real-time air quality measurements.
• Focused sampling in Manchester, Harrisburg, and Galena Park neighborhoods.
• Analysis of volatile organic hydrocarbons (VOCs) including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzenes, and styrene, as well as NO2.
• Creation of pollution maps based on wind direction to illustrate source impacts.

Main Results:

• Measured 1,3-butadiene concentration in Manchester (0.17 ppb) surpassed the EPA's E-5 lifetime cancer risk level (0.14 ppb).
• Benzene concentrations in all three studied neighborhoods were below or within the EPA's E-5 lifetime cancer risk range (0.4-1.4 ppb).
• Pollution maps indicated a clear influence of nearby industrial sources on ambient air quality, varying with wind direction.

Conclusions:

• Elevated 1,3-butadiene levels in Manchester pose a significant cancer risk to residents.
• While benzene levels were generally acceptable, the study highlights the localized impact of industrial pollution.
• Targeted monitoring and source identification are crucial for mitigating health risks in communities near industrial zones.