Indoor Air Quality Affected by Abandoned Gasoline Tanks

Abstract

Exposures to petroleum hydrocarbons from leaking gasoline tanks were identified as a source of indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in a public office building. The total (gasoline) hydrocarbon concentrations measured in the building air ranged from 12 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m³) to 96 mg/m³. These area gasoline vapor concentrations, including most predominant vapor constituents, were measured in room air at concentrations below the personal exposure criteria/standards of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. However, these gasoline vapors were a source of IAQ complaints and periodic worker exposures to the carcinogen benzene. The source of these petroleum hydrocarbon vapors was traced to three abandoned gasoline tanks buried beneath an adjacent building. These tanks were removed, averting potential for more serious health/safety hazards from continued gasoline leakage; however, gasoline residual in the contaminated soil beneath the building still causes occasional odors/problems.