1,3 -butadiene

A chemical compound of carbon and hydrogen which at ambient temperature is a gas. Trace amounts can be detected in the air that we breathe.

1,3-butadiene is formed during the combustion of petrol and diesel fuel. Other sources of 1,3-butadiene include industrial chemical plants and the manufacture of synthetic rubber tyres. Although 1,3-butadiene breaks down quickly in the atmosphere, it is usually found in ambient air at low levels in urban and suburban areas.

As with Benzene, Butadiene is a carcinogen. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations have been shown to be associated with cancer. Epidemiological studies have also reported a possible association between 1,3-butadiene exposure and cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological studies of workers in rubber plants have shown an association between 1,3-butadiene exposure and increased incidence of leukemia.

Acute Short-term exposure to high concentrations of 1,3-butadiene can result in irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin.

The running annual mean objective set by Government is 2.25 ug/m3