Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of air pollutant in a steel industry

Abstract

Background: Chemical risk assessment is one of the major strategies that can help prioritize hazardous pollutants and decide on appropriate control measures. Objective: This study aim was evaluating carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of chemical and fume compounds in a steel industry in South Iran. Methods: This study conducted in one of the steel industry with 1600 workers. After sampling the inhalation air of workers exposed to various chemicals, the method provided by risk assessment information system (RAIS) was used to assess cancer carcinogenic and non-Carcinogenic risk based on the findings. Results: Asbestos with the content of 1.5×10-10, chromium 1.36×10-2, and lead 5.38×10-5 definitive cancer and definite cancer are in the category of minor cancer effects, respectively. In calculating the non-cancer risk, the risk factor for Quotient Hazard Non-cancer (HQ) in hydrogen sulfide, chromium, and manganese were 3.08×102, 5.71×10-2, and 9.13×102 respectively, indicating non-cancer risk in them. Conclusion: Based on the values provided by the environmental protection agency, it is observed that some pollutants in the steel industry during the study period will increase the risk of cancer and non-cancerous diseases for steel industry workers. Therefore, considering appropriate engineering and management controls can help prevent these effects. Keywords: Carcinogenic risk, Chemical contaminants, Non-carcinogenic risk.