Human health risk assessment and management in hazardous waste site contaminated by polychlorinated benzenes.

Abstract

The improper management of large quantity of chemical waste of a chemical plant caused considerable soil contamination on a temporary hazardous waste disposal site. Initial and action-oriented exposure and health risk assessment was carried out in early 90's. The dominant contaminants were tetrachlorobenzenes (TeCBs), pentachlorobenzene and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). Concentration of TeCBs in top soil layer and vadoze zone exceeded several g/kg. After taking appropriate technical measures quantitative health risk assessment was performed for the target population living in the surrounding settlements. Health risk estimates to HCB ingested or inhaled with suspended dust and soil particulates showed that carcinogenic risk values lower than 10(-6) i.e. below the acceptable risk. For other chlorobenzenes that cause non-cancer toxic effects risk quotients showed marked health hazard inside the dump and small potential risk in vicinity. However, this assessment is based on limited monitoring data, additional information is needed to substantiate this conclusion.

• Authors: G Dura, E László, A Horváth
• Journal: Central European journal of public health (Cent Eur J Public Health) Vol. 8 Suppl Pg. 47-8 (Jul 2000) ISSN: 1210-7778 [Print] Czech Republic
• PMID: 10943459 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Benzene Derivatives
• Hazardous Waste
• Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated

Topics

• Benzene Derivatives (toxicity)
• Hazardous Waste
• Humans
• Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated (toxicity)
• Risk Assessment