A Study on Application of Inhalation Risk Assessment Model of USEPA in Occupational Health Risk Assessment / 预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the applicability of inhalation risk assessment model provided by US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA ) in occupational health risk assessment in paper -making,chemical and electroplating industries.Methods A total of 1 1 factories in paper-making,chemical and electroplating industries were investigated. The risk assessment model of USEPA was used to assess occupational health risk levels,including cancer and non-cancer risks.These results were compared with occupational exposure limits,classification of occupational hazards and related literatures.Results The hazard quotient (HQ)of nasal lesions of the olfactory mucosa caused by hydrogen sulfide in paper-making industry was 36.3.The HQs of hyperplasia of nasal mucosa larynx and trachea caused by hydrogen chloride and cerebellar lesions caused by methyl chloride in organosilicon synthesis factory were 8.2 and 1.4 respectively.The HQs of decreased pulmonary function or increased severity of rhinitis and pneumonia caused by ammonia in pesticide factory were 1.2 and 1 .5 respectively.The HQ of impaired motor coordination caused by xylenes in chemical solvent factory was 2.4. The HQs of hyperplasia of nasal mucosa larynx and trachea caused by hydrogen chloride and nasal septum atrophy caused by hexavalent chromium in electroplating industry were 2.3-75.3 and 1 92.5 -25 675 respectively .The risk levels of paper-making,chemical and electroplating industries were all identified as high on the basis of evidence showing that HQs were all higher than 1 .The risk of lung cancer caused by hexavalent chromium in electroplating industry was 0.001 -0.1 647.The results of risk assessment were consistent with the reported literature.Conclusion Inhalation risk assessment model provided by USEPA can be used to assess the occupational health risks of paper -making, chemical and electroplating industries and have better identification ability.