Elementary School Students Exposure to Emission of BTEX From Scented Stationery

The popularity of scented stationery among primary school students has raised concerns about exposure to BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) emissions. This study introduces a novel method for assessing inhalation exposure by integrating stationery usage behavior with BTEX emission rates, while accounting for age-specific preferences and individual variability. Specifically, a using behavior simulation algorithm based on a Markov chain model was developed to quantify the uncertainty of stationery item using behavior, which improves the realism of exposure scenario representation compared to standard Monte Carlo simulations. Results indicate that, under a subchronic exposure perspective, BTEX risks remain within acceptable limits. However, at elevated temperatures (>23°C), benzene concentrations can exceed acute reference exposure levels, particularly for younger students. Among stationery types, pencils and rulers contribute at least 54% of the total risk, while correction fluid accounts for no more than 4%. Benzene dominates the risk profile, constituting over 97.22% of the risk across all stationery types and more than 97.82% of the total risk. This study enhances understanding of BTEX inhalation risks from scented stationery and provides targeted recommendations for school administrators, students, and manufacturers to mitigate exposure.