Fuel Stations Impact on Occupational Air Quality in Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Abstract                                                                                            
During gas station operation, unburned fuel can be released into the environment through distribution, delivery, and storage. In recent years, global gas station leaks have caused persistent groundwater pollution, posing threats ‎to both ecosystems and human health. In this study, legislation governing gas stations in Egypt and Saudi Arabia was compared. Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen ‎dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter less than 10 micrometers (PM₁₀)‎, particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM_2.5)‎, and noise were measured at two gas stations in both countries, and a soil sample was taken from Saudi fuel station to analyze benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX),‎ and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)‎. The measurements of air pollutants and noise levels indicate variations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter less than 10 micrometers (PM₁₀), particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM_2.5), and noise levels are generally higher in Saudi Arabia compared to Egypt.Results of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) measurements in soil were less than 0.001 mg/kg, and the results of measuring total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) were lower than 2.30 mg/kg for C₆ – C₁₀ , C₁₀ – C₁₆ and C₁₆ – C₃₄ fractions, while C₃₄ – C₅₀ fraction was lower than 0.001 mg/kg. All measured parameters were within permissible limits in both Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in accordance with the Egyptian Environmental Law, the Egyptian Labor Law for Egypt and OSHA standards for Saudi Arabia. Effective measures need to be implemented to mitigate air pollution and noise levels, including stricter emission standards, promotion of cleaner energy sources, and urban planning strategies to reduce traffic congestion and noise pollution.Continuous monitoring and assessment of air quality and noise levels are crucial for informing policy decisions and public health interventions aimed at improving environmental conditions and safeguarding human health in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
 
Keywords: PM, BTEX, VOCs, Gas filling station, Air Quality.