Hydrocarbons (VOCs)
The term 'hydrocarbons' is often used when discussing traffic
pollution. This refers to a group of chemicals of which volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) are a subgroup.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) comprise of a range of chemical
compounds, all of which contribute, to varying degrees, to the
formation of ground level ozone. Both Benzene and 1,3 Butadiene are
part of the 'VOC' group.
Current attention is focused on 1,3 butadiene, primarily because
one of its sources are from vehicle exhausts, and benzene.
Benzene in the atmosphere either comes from the combustion or
evaporation of petrol. Levels are therefore highest close to busy
roads or in the vicinity of petrol filling stations.
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