Showing 28 results for Risk Assessment
N Pourang, F Esmaeili, M Ranjbarian,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Identification of potential risks in laboratories and trying to create safe conditions for the staff is very important from different aspects. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential risks in the laboratories of three research centers affiliated to Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute.
Materials and Methods: In order to assess and classify risks associated with working in the laboratories (11 laboratories of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Center, 9 laboratories of National Shrimp Research Center and 2 laboratories of National Aquatic Organisms Processing Center), the method of "Failure Mode Effects Analysis" (FMEA) as well as statistical methods (concerning compare means) were used.
Results: The risk levels in all the laboratories of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Center, except for benthos laboratory, could be evaluated as moderate or high. Only in the case of the sample preparation laboratory, significant differences between the values of RPN before and after corrective action was observed. However, in this case the corrective actions have not been effective in decreasing the risk level. In most laboratories of National Shrimp Research Center, the corrective actions were effective in reducing the risk levels (with the exception of three laboratories). In both laboratories of National Aquatic Organisms Processing Center, after the corrective actions, the risk levels were sharply reduced.
Conclusion: Considering the high level of risk in many evaluated laboratories, appropriate corrective actions were proposed. But after the second-stage evaluation, it was realized that the proposed corrective measures in some laboratories (especially in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Center) were notperformed sufficiently and hence the risk still was remained at critical or semi-critical level
H Tahsini, M Ahmadpour, Mh Sinkakarimi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals as a main group of aquatic pollutants cause poisoning and concern in fish consumption. The aim of the present study was to assess cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentration in liver and muscle of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Additionally, the relationship between the heavy metals concentration with weight and length and the consumption risk of the species were assessed.
Materials and Methods: Thirty specimens of rainbow trout were obtained from a fish farming ponds that is located in Sanandaj City. After acidic digestion of the specimens, concentration of Cd and Pb were determined by using atomic adsorption spectrophotometer.
Results: The average concentration of Cd and Pb were 0.62 and 26.31 μg/g wet weight (ww) in liver and 0.16 and 23.65 μg/g ww in muscle, respectively. The amount of Pb was higher than the maximum acceptable level that is permitted by most international organizations. There was a significant correlation between Cd and Pb with length and total weight of liver. Also, a significant relationship was found between Cd and length and total weight of muscle (p < 0.01). The amount of THQ, Daily and weekly intake of Cd and Pb were lower than the allowable proposed dose. The maximum allowable consumption rate of Cd and Pb were 0.16 and 0.09 kg/day for adults and 0.01 and 0.002 kg/day for children, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the amount of Cd and Pb in the rainbow trout is safe to consume and does not threaten the health of consumer with current consumption rate.
F Bateni, A Mehdinia, M Seyed Hashtroudi ,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: This study conducted to assess ecological risk of an important group of pollutants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in offshore sediment of the Persian Gulf deposits in Bushehr province. The aim of this study was to model the toxicity of PAHs for aquatic organisms in the study area.
Materials and Methods: In the first step of the applied risk assessment model in this study, the unit of toxicity for each PAH and solubility were calculated by Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) model. In the second step, the pore water concentration of all compounds in sediment was calculated as an available fraction. Finally, the proposed model was used to evaluate the offshore sediments of the Persian Gulf. Sediments in 19 stations and 7 transects were studied to assess the ecological risk of 21 PAHs. The extraction and clean up method was based on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with packed clean up cell. Compounds were analyzed by GC-MS.
Results: The toxicity and solubility of PAHs were modeled. The Pearson correlation for the predicted and measured data was more than 0.93. The amount of total toxicity was introduced as a risk index. The maximum and minimum total toxicity values for the sediments were found as 0.018 and 0.147, respectively. The results from this study indicated that although the concentration of PAHs in the sediments may not cause significant concern in the study area, they may affect benthic organism at the sub-lethal levels. According to the applied risk assessment model for 21 unsubstituted PAHs, the offshore sediments of Bushehr are in low-risk range.
Conclusion: The result of this study indicated a low risk of the sediments. The hazard index decreased as the distance from coastal and oil and gas industry increased, indicating the high impact of anthropogenic activities on the contamination of the study area.
E Hoshyari, N Hassanzadeh, A Charkhestani,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays linear alkyl benzene sulfanate (LAS) is widely used in the production of various detergents. The purpose of this study was to assess the health and ecological hazards of this pollutant on target organisms such as fish and daphnia in the Doroodzan Dam water.
Materials and Methods: According to the research objective and given existing restrictions, 21 water samples were collected in September 2018 from 7 selected stations based on the source of contamination in Doroodzan dam. Water quality parameters including pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), potential Redox (ORP), Total dissolve solid (TDS) and Electrical conductivity (EC) was measured at the site. The amount of linear alkyl benzenesulfonate (LAS) was measured using an optimized methylene blue method after transferring samples to the lab. Then ecological and health risk assessment was performed by calculating the RQ index (risk index).
Results: The results showed that the mean of pH, EC, TDS, salinity and DO were 8.88, 732.19 µs/cm, 482.49, 366.16 and 6.87 mg/L, respectively. The highest and lowest concentrations of LAS were 0.039 and 0.055 mg/L, respectively. The results also showed that there is a significant relationship between LAS concentration and pH. The results of the risk assessment showed that the health risk index in all stations is less than 0.1, while the ecological risk index except at station 7, are in low risk level.
Conclusion: In general, the results show that the RQ index in the Droodzan Dam water is in appropriate range and in the low risk level. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct long-term studies in this field to ensure the persistence of optimal water conditions in the dam ecologically and health-wise.
F Jaffari, N Hassanzadeh,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Research has shown that assessing the toxicity and ecological risk of various types of pollutants, including heavy metals, using specific indicators, is indispensable in the ecological risk assessment of the ecosystem. Accordingly, the aim of this study was the assessment of the ecological effect of heavy metals presence (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd and, As) in Anzali wetland using Heavy Metals Pollution Index (HPI).
Materials and Methods: 43 water samples were collected from the eastern, western and central parts of Anzali wetland. The samples were transferred to the laboratory, and the preparation steps were carried out using the ASTM method. Concentration of the elements was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma -Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). According to the concentration of heavy metals in the water samples, the index (HPI) was calculated. The results of the HPI index were classified into three classes: low risk (<15), moderate (15-30), and high risk (> 30).
Results: The numerical value of the HPI index was 3.59-23.3 with an average of 27.97, indicating the average level of heavy metals pollution in Anzali wetland. Indicator (HPI) in the eastern part of Anzali wetland and the Pirbazar area showed a severe contamination and ecological hazard of the heavy metals and in the Abkenar region showed an acceptable ecological status.
Conclusion: Although the average of HPI in the whole Anzali wetland was modest, but at some stations, especially in the east of the wetland, the HPI indicates the occurrence of ecological hazards in the wetland in the event of uncontrolled entry of pollutants in future. Therefore, monitoring the sources of these pollutants entering to the wetland and controlling the ecological risks is necessary.
K Naddafi, A Mesdaghinia, M Abtahi, Ms Hassanvand, R Saeedi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Environmental burden of disease (EBD) studies are one of the most important needs for determining the current situation, increasing the effectiveness of health policies and programs and prioritizing environmental health interventions. This review article was evaluated the status of the EBD in Iran based on the results of the latest Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, other international studies and national estimates in the country.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the researches on the EBD in Iran were identified by searching in the international and national scientific databases and the search results were studied and analyzed.
Results: The review of the EBD studies showed that based on the results of the GBD study, the share of environmental risk factors in the total burden of diseases in the country in 2017 according to the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths were about 8 and 13%, respectively. According to the results of the GBD study, the contributions of environmental risk factors in the attributable DALYs in the country in 2017 (a total value of 1,648,329) were as follows: ambient air PM2.5 for 45.0%, occupational risk factors for 25.1%, exposure to lead for 19.4%, unsafe water source for 5.0%, tropospheric ozone for 1.7%, lack of access to handwashing facility for 1.5%, unsafe sanitation for 1.4%, residential radon for 0.6%, and household air pollution from solid fuels for 0.3%. The total DALY rate and death rate attributable to solar ultraviolet radiation in Iran in 2000 were estimated to be 46.2 and 0.7, respectively. The DALY and the DALY rate attributable to elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water due to dental fluorosis in the country in 2017 were 3,443 and 4.14, respectively. The evaluation of the effect of water fluoridation as an environmental protective factor showed that the intervention by reducing the risk of dental caries could fall the DALY and DALY rates in the country by 14,971 and 18.73, respectively. In the period of 2005-2017, the DALY rate (per 100,000 people) attributable to ambient air PM2.5, tropospheric ozone, residential radon, and occupational risk factors rose that the result increases the importance of the preventive measures and controls of these risk factors.
Conclusion: There was a considerable difference in the burden of disease attributed to each risk factor in various international studies as well as between national and international studies. The results of national studies on the burden of diseases attributable to environmental risk factors are considered to be more reliable and practical due to the application of more detailed data and conducting subnational evaluations; therefore, the strengthening and continuing these studies at the national and sub-national levels with regard to priorities, needs, and spatiotemporal trends using domestic reliable data and information are necessary and strictly recommended.
M Rezvani, S Tabibian, A Veisi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: This study was designed to assess the safety and health risk in Ilam gas refinery and evaluation of TOPSIS method performance in risk assessment.
Materials and Methods: After identifying 955 hazards case, the risks were ranked separately in the health and safety sectors using criteria such as exposure level, severity and probability of the occurrence and use TOPSIS multi-criteria evaluation method. Due to the impossibility of determining the level of risk using TOPSIS method, the FEMA method was used for this purpose, and the risk number (RPN) options was calculated.
Results: In the field of safety assessment, personal injury, financial, burns and death from fire due to storage flammable materials in the warehouse, with a similarity to the ideal solution (Cli) of 0.56 was identified as the highest risk. In assessing the health risk, poisoning and impact on the health of employees caused by microbial agents due to the use of expired food in cooking in the restaurant unit as well as respiratory injuries of drivers due to inhalation and gas leakage in the process area and traffic of drivers in the site Cli = 0.66 was identified as the highest risk.
Conclusion: TOPSIS, as a new approach, is capable of being used in the industry's risk ranking and assessment. All the risks were placed at a moderate to low level. Despite the necessity of determining the measures to control the risks, these risks were not an emergency.
Mohammad Rezvani Ghalhari, Faezeh Asgari Tarazooj, Mohammad Bagher Miranzadeh, Gholamreza Mostafai, Safa Kalteh,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Vegetables are an essential part of our diet and a major dietary exposure route to heavy metals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the concentration and potential health hazards of heavy metals in the vegetables sold in Kashan markets.
Materials and Methods: 4 types of widelyraw-consumed vegetables, including parsley, coriander, basil, and fresh chives, were investigated in this study. Questionnaires were randomly given to individuals to determine vegetable consumption rate. Heavy metal were quantified using inductively coupled plasma- optical emission spectroscopy. Monte-Carlo Simulation was utilized to identify the associated health risks.
Results: Among tested heavy metals, Pb showed the highest concentration in parsley (4.8 ± 0.98 µg/g), coriander (3.8 ± 1.3 µg/g) and basil (3 ± 0.94 µg/g). Cr levels in fresh chives (2.8 ± 1.6 µg/g) was higher than other heavy metals. Also, the highest total hazard quotient values among examined heavy metals (Taking into account 95% confidence interval) were found for Pb (0.7), Cr (0.39), and Pb (1.034) in coriander, basil, and fresh chives, respectively.
Conclusion: Cr and Pb concentrations were generally beyond WHO/FAO guidelines in the samples. The THQ value for Pb in parsley was greater than 1, suggesting elevated adverse health effects due to parsley consumption.
Arezoo Khalijian, Bahareh Lorestani, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Mehrdad Cheraghi, Lima Tayebi,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Soils and sediments contamination with trace and toxic elements lead to potential ecological risk and adverse effects on human health and so have been the cause of increasing concern worldwide. Therefore, this study was carried out to potential ecological risk assessment of As, Cd, Ni and V in surface sediments of Khazar Abad, southern parts of Caspian Sea in 2019.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 36 surface sediment samples were collected from 12 sampling sites. After samples preparation, the elemental contents were determined using ICP-OES. Also, potential ecological risk factor (Eir) and cumulative potential ecological risk index (RI) were calculated. All statistical analyses were performed by SPSS software.
Results: Based on the results obtained, the mean contents of As, Cd, Ni and V in analyzed samples were found to be 12.7, 0.191, 35.0, and 31.9 mg/kg, respectively. The computed values of Eir showed that factor values were decreased in the order Cd > As > Ni > V. Additionally, the mean values of RI with 53.7 indicated that all the examined elements have the "low potential ecological risk".
Conclusion: Accordingly, although the examined elements have shown a low potential ecological risk, cadmium with 46.4% and arsenic with 45.4% mean values of RI can cause for concern. Therefore, source identification and management of organic and inorganic pollutants and also periodic monitoring of water and sediments as the sink of environmental pollution are recommended.
Gholamali Javedan, Hamid Reza Ghaffari, Zoha Heidarinejad, Nahid Zeraei, Somayeh Hoseinvandtabar, Fateme Pourramezani, Mehrdad Ahmadi,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (4-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration of potentially toxic elements (arsenic, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury) in black tea imported to southern Iran and to assess the risk of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic exposure to consumers.
Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 94 samples of black tea from 15 brands imported from India in 2021 were selected. Heavy metals concentrations were measured using an atomic absorption spectrometer (GBC model SAVANTAA). After determining the concentration of heavy metals in black tea samples, health risk assessment was determined using Montocarlo simulation technique.
Results: According to the results, the average concentrations of heavy metals namely arsenic, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury were 0.03±0.02, 0.02±0.16, 15.67±7.69, 0.02±0.01 and 0.006±0.005 mg/kg, respectively. The hazard quotient (HQ) of the heavy metals arsenic, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury were 1.07×10-2, 6.37×10-3, 3.45×10-5, 2.05×10-2 and 7.19×10-4, respectively.
Conclusion: Therefore, according to the findings, it can be concluded that the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (arsenic, lead, copper, mercury and cadmium) in black tea were consistent with the standard level of Iran and World Health Organization. Additionally, the average carcinogenic risk index for arsenic metal was 4.49×10-6, which is much lower than the acceptable level of carcinogenic risk (10-6). Therefore, the concentrations of five potentially toxic elements in the studied black tea did not show any significant risk for consumers.
Hamid Kariab, Mohammad Mehdi Emamjomeh, Sheida Zakariaie,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Due to the presence of heavy metals (HMs), sludge produced in industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWPT) is classified as special waste and can cause adverse health effects. The present study aimed to identify special wastes and assess the risk associated with the presence of HMs in the sludge of WWTP from an Industrial City.
Materials and Methods: Identifying the special wastes was conducted using a checklist, and classification was performed in accordance with the Basel Convention. Ecological risk assessment was done by determining the geo-accumulation and ecological indexes. The estimation of health risk was done by determining HQ and ELCR indexes.
Results: The highest amount of special waste was allocated to sludge with a value of 3900.0 kg/month. Chromium was detected in the highest concentration (95.89 ± 52.15 mg/kg). The level of chromium and nickel pollution was evaluated in the low range, and cadmium was very severe. The ecological risk of lead was estimated in a significant range and was very high for cadmium. The HQ was less than 1, and the ELCR for inhalation and dermal exposure was estimated to be lower than the acceptable risk level of WHO.
Conclusion: The present study showed that the largest amount of special waste is dedicated to sludge. Although the concentration of HMs was lower than the acceptable limits, the sludge had a high ecological risk level. Therefore, the accumulation and transfer of sludge must be carried out under the provisions of the Basel Convention and environmental considerations.
Samira Sheikhi, Aran Moshiri, Hassan Aslani, Shamseddin Alizadeh,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: One of the main ways of transmitting diseases is drinking water, so the safety of drinking water is an important issue for consumers, water suppliers, operators, and health officials. This study was conducted to identify and semi-quantitative evaluation and prioritization of risks in the drinking water supply system of Bostan Abad city.
Materials and Methods: In order to evaluate and document the key elements of WSP and identify the steps that need improvement, the quality assurance tool of the water safety plan (WSP-QA TOOL software) was used, and then based on the guide of the water safety plan from the WHO and the International Association Water safety, WSP team formed. Then the water supply system of Bostan Abad city from the farthest point of the basin to the last consumption point was inspected and described.
Results: The results showed that the highest number of risks are in the water supply sources, distribution network, and point of consumption, respectively. Also, the most vulnerable part of the system was identified as the disinfection unit and storage tanks due to biological and chemical contamination caused by equipment failure and improper preparation of chlorine solution.
Conclusion: In summary, it can be said that carrying out the necessary reforms can play an effective role in reducing the risk potential in times of crisis, which should be given serious attention by water industry officials.
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.
