BENZENE MONITORING IN DELHI

CPCB has been monitoring benzene concentration at seven locations since May 1999, comprising residential, industrial and commercial areas. The maximum benzene concentration has been observed at ITO bridge with average monthly value varying between 20 to 38 micrograms per cubic metre during May - September, 1999. The monthly average values recorded at other stations during the monitoring period varied between 13 to 26 micrograms per cubic metre. The average monthly values were higher by a maximum factor of 2.4 at the monitoring locations when compared with the United Kingdom's recommended annual average limit of 16 micrograms per metre. Overall mean Benzene concentration of 17 micrograms per cubic metre for seven locations monitored during May - September, 1999, are close to the running annual mean standards of 16 micrograms per cubic metre of United Kingdom.