Improvement of quantitative indicators for assessing non-carcinogenic health risks under chronic inhalation exposure to a chemical

Abstract

Introduction. Critical organs and systems are not always properly accounted for high levels of inhalation exposure. This is a significant issue in assessing public health risks caused by exposure to chemical pollution in ambient air. Given that, it is necessary to develop methodical approaches that would make it possible to add indicators of negative effects on critical organs and systems when reference concentrations to be revised. These critical organs and systems are susceptible to risks caused by exposure to chemicals in concentrations higher than reference ones. Materials and methods. We performed a systemic review of more than 110 relevant literature sources and regulatory and methodical documents and applied the methodology for health risk assessment to test the obtained results. Results. We suggested an algorithm for creating a system of quantitative indicators that can be used to assess non-carcinogenic health risks under chronic inhalation exposure to a chemical. We tested it to assess risks associated with exposure to hydrogen sulphide and this allowed creating the more precise list of critical organs by including the nervous system into it. In addition, we established that when a concentration of hydrogen sulphide exceeded 0.07 mg/m3, this chemical contributed to disorders of fetal development. Limitations. These developed approaches can be applied exclusively to assess non-carcinogenic risks for public health. Conclusion. We suggested approaches to improving quantitative indicators for assessing public health risks under chronic inhalation exposure to a chemical. These approaches allowed creating a system of indicators. The use of these indicators facilitated the more precise assessment of occurring risks for organs and systems including those caused by exposure to chemical concentrations being higher than the reference level.