From epidemiological studies the carcinogenic potency factor (slope factor) for benzene was estimated by the EPA in 1988 to be 0.03 [mg/kg-day). On the basis of this estimate, what would be the hypothetical yearly increase in the cancer incidence of the U.S. population from benzene in gasoline due to exposure during filling of gasoline in motor vehicles? Use the following assumptions: 30 million car owners fill the gasoline tank twice a week at self-service stations.Filling averages 3 minutes.The concentration of benzene in the breathing zone is 0.5 ppm.The volume of inhaled air is 14 L/min.The degree of absorption of benzene in the lungs is 50 percent.The annual cancer incidence for the entire U.S. population can be estimated to be about 1 million cases.

Absorption Fraction = The degree of absorption of benzene in the lungs = 50%Conversion Factor = A conversion factor to adjust units, considering that 1 mg = 1,000,000 μgPopulation at Risk = Number of people exposed = 30 million car ownersSlope Factor (SF) for benzene = 0.03 (mg/kg-day)Exposure Concentration = Concentration of benzene in the breathing zone = 0.5 ppmExposure Duration = Time spent filling the gasoline tank = 3 minutes per fillingBreathing Rate = Volume of inhaled air per minute = 14 L/minIncremental Cancer Cases=(Slope Factor×Exposure Concentration×Exposure Duration×Breathing Rate×Absorption Fraction×Conversion Factor)×Population at Riskput values according to given Incremental Cancer=18,900As a result, 18,900 cases would be the estimated yearly increase in cancer incidence for the US population resulting from benzene exposure during gasoline fill ups in motor vehicles. Remember that this is a simplified calculation based on a number of estimates and assumptions.

Answered: From epidemiological studies the…

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)

9th Edition

ISBN:9780134746241

Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

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From epidemiological studies the carcinogenic potency factor (slope factor) for benzene was estimated by the EPA in 1988 to be 0.03 [mg/kg-day). On the basis of this estimate, what would be the hypothetical yearly increase in the cancer incidence of the U.S. population from benzene in gasoline due to exposure during filling of gasoline in motor vehicles? Use the following assumptions:

30 million car owners fill the gasoline tank twice a week at self-service stations.
Filling averages 3 minutes.
The concentration of benzene in the breathing zone is 0.5 ppm.
The volume of inhaled air is 14 L/min.
The degree of absorption of benzene in the lungs is 50 percent.
The annual cancer incidence for the entire U.S. population can be estimated to be about 1 million cases.

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