[Significance for the health of the general population of exposure to benzene in traffic].

Significant air pollution can be present in the interior of vehicles due to emissions from materials forming part of the interior fittings and to combustion and evaporation emissions, both when the motor is on and when the vehicle is stationary. In the case of new vehicles, escaping volatile organic compounds (VOC) in concentrations of 10-12 mg/m3 (partly up to 65 mg/m3) have been found. Benzene pollution of the interior of the vehicle is of particular significance to health. Benzene can be present in the interior of cars in average concentrations of about 50 micrograms/m3. Application of an overall risk assessment shows that, even under conditions of only a one-hour car ride per day, this pollution represents a risk of 30% of the total benzene risk (6 cases of cancer per 100.000 person exposed).