Evaluation of the concentration of harmful air pollutants in a cultural heritage site by passive sampling

The monitoring of the concentration of harmful air pollutants is mandatory to prevent the deterioration of cultural heritage and, at the same time, safeguard the health of visitors and workers. The present study is focused on the determination of the concentration of specific air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide and aromatic hydrocarbons, precisely benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) in the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine dei Miracoli (Saronno, Italy) by passive air sampling. The results of this monitoring suggest that indoor concentration of NO2 and benzene are always higher than outdoor ones. Further investigations should be performed to assess the effective concentrations to which, not only the works of art, but also people are exposed.