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4143307 
Journal Article 
Diesel-Related Benzene Exposures During Refueling Operations At Two Grocery Distribution Centers 
Fedoruk, MJ; Smalstig, T; Tran, J; Shum, M; Richter, RO; Bronstein, R; Kerger, BD 
2005 
1 
Toxicological Sciences
ISSN: 1096-6080
EISSN: 1096-0929 
TOX/5000546 
84 
1-S 
English 
Airborne benzene exposures were assessed during diesel refueling of tractor trailer trucks and generator fuel tanks for refrigerated trailers used for food transportation. Fuel was dispensed from a fuel truck tank by a nozzle with no vapor recovery system. Benzene samples included near-source levels before refueling, approximate 1- min breathing zone levels while refueling, integrated breathing zone levels for an industrial hygienist shadowing a refueler, background air levels, and diesel fuel concentrations. Summa canisters were analyzed by EPA-TO-15 and passive dosimeter badges by NIOSH 4500. Airborne benzene levels above the tank openings immediately after cap removal averaged 16.0 + 7.9 ppb (mean + S.E., n = 3) for tractor tanks and 4.3 + 1.1 ppb (n = 6) for generator tanks. Breathing zone levels obtained for about 1 min while the refueler was dispensing fuel averaged 38.7 + 19.7 ppb (n = 3) for tractor tanks and 11.8 + 7.1 ppb (n = 6) for generator tanks. Integrated breathing zone levels for the industrial hygienist shadowing the refueler averaged 8.8 + 5.3 ppb (n=2) while refueling tractor and generator tanks. Yard area samples including locations downwind from the entrance where diesel trucks entered the facility averaged 2.0 + 0.04 ppb (n = 7). Benzene concentration in the diesel fuel averaged 0.0034 + 0.0010 wt.?(n=3). These data suggest that airborne benzene exposures during diesel refueling are lower than levels associated with gasoline. Benzene levels in the yard with diesel traffic were similar to regional historical averages and suggest that diesel exhaust is not a significant source of benzene exposure to yard workers. Average workday exposure levels to refuelers of tractor trucks in open areas could be higher if diesel refueling operations involved more vehicles, but it seems unlikely that benzene exposure would exceed the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of 1.0 ppm (8-hour time-weighted average).