Assessment and Comparative Analysis of Health Risks Caused by Air Pollution in Cities of Russia

Abstract

The paper deals with the analysis of the antropogenic impacts of air pollutions in Russian cities, the pollution levels of ambient air and health risks for the Russian population. It includes the assessments of toxic substances emissions, the analysis of air pollution monitoring in Russia. Basing upon the data of stationary monitoring posts, and values of health risks from certain air pollutants we made the interval and mean assessments of the health risks orders for populations in industrial cities in Russia. The results of the calculations are presented as absolute numbers of deaths caused by the air pollution in Russian cities with populations of certain size under exposure, and the relative contribution of pollution effects to the corresponding mortality rates. The potential contribution to overall mortality is approximated by few percents. Using a classification of risk orders, a comparative analysis was made of danger from air pollution versus main causes of death and natural hazards. This analysis indicates the relatively dangerous pollutants which should be further investigated and included in cost-benefit analysis so as the optimal risk reduction decision could be suggested.