title: Predictors of indoor BTEX concentrations in Canadian residences.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and m-, p-xylenesand o-xylene (BTEX) are a group of volatile organic compounds that originate from similar sources. Given the potentially negative health implications of BTEX exposure and their prevalence in residential indoor air, it is important to understand typical residential concentrations and identify predictors.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 2009 to 2011 Canadian Health Measures Survey included an indoor air component. Questionnaires were administered, and respondents were asked to deploy an air sampler in their home for 7 consecutive days. This analysis is based on BTEX data from 5,191 respondents. Mean BTEX concentrations were examined overall, and by dwelling type and garage configuration. Stepwise regression models were used to examine potential sources of BTEX components.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Means were 1.95 μg/m³ (benzene), 19.17 μg/m³ (toluene), 4.09 μg/m³ (ethylbenzene), 14.42 μg/m³ (m-, p-xylenes), and 4.16 μg/m³ (o-xylene). Significant predictors of the presence of BTEX included a garage on the property, regular smoking in the home, renovations in the past month, number of occupants, use of paint remover, and use of fragrance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this nationally representative study found that BTEX concentrations are relatively low among Canadian residences, and identified several different indoor sources.
authors.affiliation: Water, Air and Climate Change Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. amanda.wheeler@hc-sc.gc.ca
authors.forename: Amanda J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Wheeler
authors.forename: Suzy L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Khouri
authors.forename: Jiping
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhu
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants; D001554:Benzene; D002170:Canada; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D014050:Toluene
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D014050:Toluene; D001554:Benzene
keywords: benzene; indoor air quality; toluene; volatile organic compounds; xylenes