Assessment of the risk to the health of the population living in the zone influenced by atmospheric emissions from the engineering industry

Abstract

Introduction. During operation, machine-building enterprises emit pollutants that can negatively affect the health of the population. The study aims to determine the impact of emissions from a machine–building plant, as well as background atmospheric pollution, on the health risk of the population of Novokuznetsk. Materials and methods. The work used data from the volume of maximum permissible emissions of a machine-building plant. The researchers calculated the maximum and average concentrations of pollutants using the "ECOcenter – Standard" program at 36 exposure points selected on the city map. Experts determined the maximum permissible concentrations of pollutants in the atmosphere in accordance with SanPiN 1.2.3685-21. The authors calculated the risks to public health in accordance with the Guidelines R 2.1.10.1920-04. The classification of risk levels was carried out on the basis of MP 2.1.10.0156-19. 2.1.10. Scientists also made a risk assessment considering background atmospheric pollution. Results. Specialists carried out a risk assessment from exposure to nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon (soot), inorganic dust, hexavalent chromium. The maximum and average concentrations of pollutants, as well as the maximum concentrations calculated taking into account background pollution, did not exceed the maximum permissible level. The average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and hexavalent chromium, taking into account the background, exceeded the hygienic standard. The values of the hazard indices for acute and chronic exposures without taking into account the background, as well as for acute exposures taking into account the background, corresponded to the minimum (target) risk level. The values of the hazard indices for chronic inhalation effects, considering the background, corresponded to the alarming risk level at five points, amounting to 3.084–3.800. With chronic exposure, taking into account the background, an alarming level of risk was revealed for the effect on the respiratory organs (at four points the hazard index was 3.117 to 3.616) and blood (at three points the hazard index was in the range from 3.090 to 3.433). The total individual carcinogenic risk, excluding background, did not exceed the permissible level, ranging from 1.08×10–8 to 2.43×10–7 at different points, taking into account the background, amounted to 1.79×10–4–2.26×10–4, which corresponds to an alarming level. Hexavalent chromium makes the main contribution to the formation of carcinogenic risk. Limitations. Calculated concentrations of pollutants were used to assess the risks. Conclusion. The risks from exposure to atmospheric emissions from the machine-building plant correspond to the minimum (target) level. Background concentrations of toxic substances in chronic inhalation exposures determine an alarming level of non-carcinogenic risk at five points, as well as an alarming level of carcinogenic risk at all points of exposure. Ethics. This study did not require the conclusion of the Ethics Committee.