Gas stations pollute their immediate surroundings, Spanish study finds

Gas stations pollute their immediate surroundings, Spanish study finds
In Spain it is relatively common to come across gas (petrol) stations surrounded by houses, particularly in urban areas. Researchers from the University of Murcia (UM) have studied the effects of contamination at petrol stations that are potentially harmful to health, which can be noted in buildings less than 100 metres from the service stations.

"Some airborne organic compounds -- such as benzene, which increases the risk of cancer -- have been recorded at petrol stations at levels above the average levels for urban areas where traffic is the primary source of emission," Marta Doval, co-author of the study and a researcher at the UM, said.