Carbonyl compounds from urban activities and their associated cancer risks: The influence of seasonality on air quality (Fortaleza-Ce, Brazil)

Abstract

The main carbonyl compounds (CCs) were determined at gas sta- tions for the first time in Fortaleza city, CE, Brazil, and the results were compared with other urban centers. The influence of season- ality on the production, distribution and balance of CCs, as well as the associated cancer risks, was also estimated. Formaldehyde was the most abundant carbonyl, followed by acetaldehyde, nonaldehyde, acrolein, butyraldehyde and benzaldehyde. The total CC concentra- tion (RCC) averages are less than most other studies in outdoor environments and gas stations. The RCCs were higher in the dry period than in the wet period. It was observed that the insolation, cloud cover and precipitation should be influencing CCs distribution, while the ambient temperature should not. The study showed that the cancer risks associated with formaldehyde ancetaldehyde are 3.9 and 1.5 times higher, respectively, during the dry period than during the wet period. The cancer risk in the months of dry period of the year were observed to exceed the recommended exposure limit established by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).