Assessment of the impact of air pollution by heat power plant emissions on the health of the population of Novokuznetsk

Abstract

Introduction. Th e study of the infl uence of air pollution on the health of the population of industrial cities is an urgent task of preventive medicine.The purpose of the study— assessment of risk for population health of the city of Novokuznetsk, associated with the receipt in atmospheric air of polluting substances from SC «Kuznetsk TPP».Materials and methods.The paper presents the results of risk assessment for the health of the population of Novokuznetsk from the impact of atmospheric emissions of coal thermal power plant. Risks were calculated in accordance with the «Guidelines for the assessment of public health risks from exposure to chemicals that pollute the environment».Results.It was found that sulfur dioxide, coal ash, nitrogen dioxide had the largest share in the index of non-carcinogenic hazard of emissions. Th e maximum hazard index of carcinogenic substances was detected in hexavalent chromium. Th e greatest risk of immediate action, manifested in the development of refl ex reactions, was detected at two points of exposure to concentrations; it was determined by the infl uence of coal ash. In the formation of the risk of chronic intoxication, coal ash, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide had the greatest impact; the greatest risk was detected at three points. Th e hazard coeffi cients of the concentrations ranged from 2.04×10–4 to 6.723. The maximum index of danger equal to 29.31, corresponded to the residential district of Lenin square. Th e highest levels of carcinogenic risk identifi ed at three points were determined by exposure to hexavalent chromium.Conclusion.Th e work identifi ed environmentally disadvantaged neighborhoods of the city. It is shown that the main contribution to the formation of non-carcinogenic risk of health disorders of the city’s population is made by nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, coal ash, sulfur dioxide. Th e main carcinogen is hexavalent chromium. Th e total values of risks expressed in the multiplicities of excess of acceptable risk, for most points exceed 1, indicating a signifi cant impact of emissions on the health of the population. A set of atmospheric protection measures aimed at reducing risks to public health is recommended.