Showing 28 results for Risk Assessment
Sepideh Sadeghi, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Amir Hossein Nafez, Sahar Gholipour, Mahnaz Nikaeen,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in compost of solid waste can threat public health. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the safety of produced composts before its land application as a soil conditioner. This study was conducted to investigate the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and health risks associated with accidental ingestion of compost by children.
Materials and Methods: In this study, sampling was done from compost piles at different public parks of Isfahan city during the period of compost spreading. Presence and concentration of pathogenic microorganisms including salmonella, campylobacter, cryptosporidium and adenovirus were investigated by culture or real-time PCR methods.
Results: All pathogenic microorganisms were detected in MSW compost in a frequency from 11%-62% with the highest frequency for detection of adenovirus. The health risk assessment showed that the highest risk of daily infection was for Cryptosporidium (7.67 × 10-4 pppy) and the lowest risk was related to adenovirus (8.27 × 10-10 pppy). The annual infection risk from gastrointestinal disease was calculated above guideline infection risk (10-3 pppy).
Conclusion: The results showed contamination of produced compost to pathogenic microorganisms and potential health risks from applying MSW compost in urban green spaces. Therefore, the relevant organizations should pay more attention to the composting process and its microbial quality and application in public access areas.
Hossein Masoumbeigi, Davood Motalebi Peykani, Ghader Ghanizadeh, Hamed Akbari Jour, Maryam Esmaeili,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The health and safety of the employees of any industry is one of the most important issues to prevent the occurrence of accidents. This study aimed to identify and assess related risks in a battery-manufacturing industry using FMEA method and estimate the ratio of the cost of accidents to prevention.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study, the production activities of the industry were first identified. Then the work process, employee duties, and Potential risks were determined by the HAZID method. Evaluation and prioritization of risks were done using FMEA method. Risks whose RPN was higher than 145 were determined as important risks and the ratio of incident cost to accident prevention was calculated.
Results: In 62 active units of this industry, 716 risks were identified and prioritized, 16 of which (2.23%) had RPN above 145 with the highest priority. The financial pulp unit with falling and fire hazards and the assembly unit with the risk of fumes and lead dust leakage with RPN 245 were among the most dangerous units and hazards identified in the industry. In all units except one unit, the ratio of the cost of accidents to prevention varied from 1.2 to 25.
Conclusion: The results showed that it is necessary to consider the correction of the important risks by the industry officials, according to the set priorities so that potential accidents caused by these risks are minimized. This prioritization can play an effective role in optimal risk management and reduce related costs.
Alireza Bakhtiyari, Behrouz Akbari-Adergani, Parisa Shavli-Gilani, Liela Karami, Najmeh Yazdanfar, Parisa Sadighara,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Given the crucial role of milk and its products in human diets, it is imperative to implement effective measures to ensure the safety of milk by minimizing the presence of hazardous pollutants. This study aims to assess the concentration and potential risks associated with lead in raw milk produced in Tehran province.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved the collection of raw milk samples from 24 diverse livestock farms in Tehran province during the winter season of 1401. The samples were analyzed for lead contamination using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical tests were applied to compare the results with international standards, and subsequent risk assessment was conducted based on the average amounts.
Results: The study revealed that none of the samples exceeded the permissible limit for lead. The mean and standard deviation of lead concentration in the samples was 7 ± 5.8 (ppb), well below the international standard. There was no significant variation in lead levels among the tested livestock farms. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for both children and adults were calculated to be less than 1.
Conclusion: The concentration of lead in all samples remained below the permissible limits set by Codex and the Iran Standards Organization, indicating no non-carcinogenic risks associated with milk consumption in terms of lead contamination, as suggested by the calculated HQ values.
Soudabeh Ghodsi, Mina Sheikh, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Mahnaz Nikaeen,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The adverse health effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have received significant attention in recent years. This study aimed to measure the concentration of PAHs associated with fine particles and assess the health risks posed by these compounds.
Materials and Methods: A total of 38 air samples were collected from the central part of Isfahan city using a particle sampler equipped with an inlet to capture particles smaller than 2.5 µm (PM2.5). The samples were analyzed using GC-MS, and molecular ratios were used to identify potential sources of PAHs. Additionally, a Monte Carlo simulation was employed to perform a probabilistic risk assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PAHs for two groups: children and adults.
Results: Out of the 16 priority PAH compounds, seven compounds were identified, with average concentrations ranging from 0.003 to 17.8 ng/m3. Molecular ratios indicated that pyrogenic sources were the main contributors to PAHs in the air. The median carcinogenic risk for children and adults was estimated to be 3.1×10-8 and 5.99×10-8, respectively. The median non-carcinogenic risk for PAH compounds was estimated at 3.08×10-1.
Conclusion: The probabilistic risk assessment revealed that the PAHs concentrations associated with fine particles do not pose a significant risk to exposed individuals. However, it is important to note that this study focused solely on the risk assessment of PAHs associated with fine particles. A comprehensive risk assessment of all PAHs present in the atmosphere is, therefore, recommended.
Ehsan Aghayani, Azizallah Dehghan, Navid Alinejad, Malihe Amiri,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Monitoring pesticide concentrations in drinking water resources is crucial for enhancing water quality and public health. Therefore, periodic assessments of pesticide levels in these resources are essential to safeguard consumer health.
Materials and Methods: This study aimed to assess the concentrations of six pesticides—malathion, diazinon, glyphosate, paraquat, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin—in agricultural water resources as well as in urban and rural water distribution networks in Fasa city in 2023. Pesticide levels were monitored in 25 drinking water samples and 6 agricultural water samples.
Results: The results show that pesticide concentrations are higher in agricultural water compared to drinking water and distribution networks. Specifically, the concentrations of malathion and diazinon in agricultural water resources are significantly higher than in drinking water, with levels potentially up to eight times greater. The total risk index for samples from agricultural water sources ranges from 0.89 to 1.36, indicating a comparable risk to that of drinking water.
Conclusion: The health risk assessment of malathion, diazinon, glyphosate, paraquat, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin in drinking water resources suggests no immediate threat to public health. However, due to the elevated pesticide levels in agricultural water resources, ongoing monitoring of water sources near agricultural areas is recommended.
Mojtaba Moazzen, Amir Mohammad Mortazavian, Nabi Shariatifar, Sara Sohrabvandi, Elham Khanniri, Seyedeh Mahsa Khodaei,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Obejective: Many elements can naturally or artificially enter human food and pose risks to human health. Some of these elements are toxic, while others are essential for humans. The purpose of this study is to investigate the concentrations of toxic elements (aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb)) and essential elements (cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)) in yogurt and kashk samples.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the concentration of 10 elements was measured using an ICP-OES device in 48 samples (with two repetitions each) of yogurt and kashk collected from Tehran. The risk associated with human exposure to these metals was then calculated using the Latin Hypercube method.
Results: The results showed that in all samples, the highest and lowest average concentrations of essential elements (in µg/kg) were attributed to iron (567.53) and cobalt (10.58), respectively. Similarly, the highest and lowest average concentrations of toxic elements were attributed to arsenic (28.60) and cadmium (1.08), respectively.
Conclusion: Finally, it can be concluded that the average concentration of all elements—except for Pb, Co, and Cd—was higher in kashk than in yogurt. Additionally, the average concentration of all elements was below the established standards. However, the risk analysis results indicated that children are more exposed to non-carcinogenic risks from yogurt and carcinogenic risks from the consumption of both yogurt and kashk compared to adults.
Somayeh Alizadeh Attar, Alireza Pardakhti, Khosrow Ashrafi, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Black carbon is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of fossil and biomass fuels. Long-term exposure to black carbon has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with black carbon exposure in the ambient air of Tehran.
Materials and Methods: Hourly black carbon concentrations were collected from the air quality monitoring stations operated by Tehran's Air Quality Control Company and averaged to calculate annual means for 2021, 2022, and 2023. The risk assessment for black carbon exposure in Tehran was conducted using the US EPA model.
Results: The findings reveal that in Tehran, the carcinogenic risk index (CR) due to black carbon exposure in ambient air is higher for adults than for children. The non-carcinogenic risk quotient (HQ) for both age groups remains below the threshold value of one, indicating a low and negligible non-carcinogenic risk. However, children demonstrate a higher HQ compared to adults. The lifetime cancer risk associated with black carbon exposure is calculated to be 1.4 × 10-3, while the annual cancer risk is estimated at 0.02 × 10-3.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the carcinogenic risks associated with black carbon exposure exceed acceptable levels for both adults and children. Adults face a cancer risk six times greater than children, though the non-carcinogenic risk is assessed as low. Reducing black carbon emissions is critical for improving public health in traffic-congested cities, and further research on this topic is strongly recommended.
Soheil Sobhanardakani, Nayereh Sadat Hosseini,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Evaluating environmental and health risks from urban soils contaminated with toxic elements is crucial for maintaining urban ecosystem quality and public health. Therefore, this study assessed the environmental and health risks of As, Cd, Ni, and Pb in surface soils of city of Hamedan in 2022.
Materials and Methods: A total of 135 topsoil (0-20 cm) samples were collected from residential, commercial, and industrial areas of the study region, and their concentrations were determined using ICP-OES. The pollution index (PI) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) were calculated to assess contamination levels. Additionally, a health risk assessment model was applied to evaluate non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks.
Results: The highest mean concentrations of As (6.91 mg/kg), Cd (0.306 mg/kg), and Ni (23.9 mg/kg) were found in industrial areas, while Pb (31.2 mg/kg) was highest in commercial areas. According to the PI values, pollution levels of the analyzed elements ranged from "low" to "high." The mean NIPI value was 2.62, indicating "moderate" contamination in the study area. The average hazard index (HI) and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values for both children and adults suggested no significant health risks.
Conclusion: The results indicate that industrial activities and traffic play a significant role in soil pollution in Hamedan. Therefore, periodic soil monitoring, reducing pollutant emissions from industrial sources, and improving transportation management policies are recommended to safeguard human and environmental health.
