Occupational health risk assessment of municipal solid waste incinerator workers
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Abstract
Occupational health risk assessment is a tool for evaluating health hazards associated with different levels of exposure to workplace hazards. This study evaluated the health risk from municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) for workers in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Rayong provinces. Hazardous pollutants released from MSWIs included arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), mono- to tri-chlorinated dibenzodioxins (CDDs) and dibenzofurans (CDFs). Concentration over 8-h workday was estimated by the air quality model. The finding of 8-h concentration of contaminants in working environment did not exceed standards. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment was calculated by direct inhalation pathway. The results showed that worker contaminant exposure concentration was found to be Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Hg, As, CDD, and CDF, in decreasing order of magnitude. Carcinogenic risk quantification showed that Cr and total contaminants exceeded the reference level. However, non-carcinogenic hazard quotient risk was below the acceptable limit, representing an absence of non-carcinogenic risk to workers. These findings may be helpful in identifying health risks and providing appropriate preventive measure to ensure worker safety.
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