Abstract
Background. The study is relevant due to a significant number (more than 74 thousand) of autonomous heat sources (AHS) in the Russian Federation, especially in its eastern regions. Such sources use solid fuels (coal). AHS, along with other heat and power objects, make a considerable contribution to ambient air pollution in the ground layers and consequently produce harmful effects on public health.
 The aim of this study was to perform hygienic assessment of negative effects produced by autonomous heat sources (AHS) on ambient air quality, health risks and additional associated incidence on the example of a territory included into the Clean Air Federal project.
 Materials and methods. We calculated dispersion of pollutants in ambient air in residential areas due to AHS; performed hygienic assessment of calculated and instrumental data on ambient air quality; assessed public health risks; identified the number of additional associated diseases in accordance with the conventional established methods and algorithms valid at the present moment.
 Results. More than 170 AHS are located on the analyzed territory; they all use soli fuel (coal). Hygienic standards are violated in areas influenced by AHS for four out of sever chemicals emitted by chimneys of private houses. Pollutant levels reach 5.1 single maximum MPC for four pollutants according to dispersion calculation; 4.8 single maximum MPC, 38 average daily MPC and 4.7 average annual MPC for four pollutants according to instrumental data; 29.9 single maximum MPC, 3.5 average daily MPC and 7.0 average annual MPC for three pollutants according to verified data. Identified carcinogenic, acute, and chronic health risks are ranked as ‘alerting’ and ‘high’ in areas under direct influence of AHS; these risks reach 13.4 HQ (acute), 7.0 HQ (chronic), CRT 1.19∙10-7 (carcinogenic). AHS create more than 11 thousand additional respiratory diseases (6,379.9 cases per 100 thousand people); of them, 98% cases are registered in children.
 Conclusion. AHS create high levels of exposure to harmful pollutants and elevated health risks as well as additional incidence associated with ambient air quality. This situation requires immediate attention of the local authorities, control and surveillance organs; it is necessary to develop and implement complex air protection activities as soon as possible.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.