A methodology for assessing risk from released hydrocarbon in an
enclosed area
Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 15 (1):
11 -- 17 (2002)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0950-4230(01)00017-1
Abstract
This study presents a method for calculating the concentration of
hydrocarbon releases in enclosed areas using empirical equations
for the evaporation rate. The approach of the method is to estimate
the hydrocarbon exposure concentration in the air under conditions
assumed. A methodology for assessing risk to individual exposed workers
or others using probit expressions is suggested. The toxicity criteria
and available human exposure data were examined and guidelines for
risk assessment suggested for benzene-air and toluene-air systems.
The values of probit constants with mole fractions of lethal concentrations
in a mixture of hydrocarbons and a non-toxic substance were predicted.
The probit values calculated with mole fractions can be used to estimate
guidelines to prevent toxicity within enclosed working areas.