Security and Human Health Risk Assessment: Actual Problems

Abstract

This paper presents data on specific chemical risks observed in the urbanized areas of Irkutsk Oblast. The most important air pollutants in Bratsk are nitrogen dioxide, fluoride compounds, sulfur-containing substances, benzo(a)pyrene, and formaldehyde. The paper addresses the issues of assessing risks to human health when exposed to chemicals contained in the air of residential areas. We use the risk assessment methodology to quantify the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for specific population cohorts. It is found that when exposed to chemicals through inhalation, the risk of experiencing toxic effects is high. We hereby evaluate how specific contaminants affect the human health risks. The existing pollution level in the city’s administrative districts causes a high risk of respiratory diseases (HQ = 4.28), musculoskeletal diseases (HQ = 1.74), immunity disorders (HQ = 1.74), respiratory system disorders (HQ = 14.1), ophthalmological diseases (HQ = 9.7), physical and mental maldevelopment (HQ = 9.4); the total population-wide carcinogenic risk is found unacceptable (PCR = 1.8×10−3). It is demonstrated that the risk concept can be used as a methodological tool to substantiate the administrative decision-making with respect to environmental protection and technogenic security.