Volume 23, Issue 3 (12-2025)
J Sch Public Health Inst Public Health Res. 2025, 23(3): 255-276 |
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Sobhanardakani S, Hosseini N S. Health Risk Assessment of Urban Soils Contaminated with Potentially Toxic Elements Based on a Stochastic Model (Case Study: City of Hamedan). J Sch Public Health Inst Public Health Res. 2025; 23 (3) :255-276
URL: http://sjsph.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6446-en.html
URL: http://sjsph.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6446-en.html
Abstract: (41 Views)
Background and Aim: Prioritizing control factors in the health risk management of toxic elements in soil is essential for reducing potential adverse health effects. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and prioritize the key control factors involved in the health risk management of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) in urban soils of Hamedan, Iran, in 2023.
Materials and Methods: A total of 108 urban surface soil samples were collected from different land-use types. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were assessed using both deterministic and stochastic approaches.
Results: Based on the deterministic model, the mean hazard index (HI) and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values for both children and adults indicated low non-carcinogenic risk and moderate carcinogenic risk levels, respectively. The probability distribution of non-carcinogenic risk demonstrated that 100% of the risk values for residents were within the low-risk range. Furthermore, the probability distribution of carcinogenic risk revealed that 14.5% of the risk values for children fell within the high-risk category, whereas 100% of the risk values for adults were classified within the moderate-risk category. Sensitivity analysis indicated that soil ingestion rate, exposure duration, exposure frequency, and arsenic and nickel concentrations were the most influential factors affecting health risks in the study area.
Conclusion: Control of emission sources, along with regular monitoring of arsenic and nickel concentrations in soil, is strongly recommended. In addition, promoting personal hygiene practices among residents, particularly children, including frequent hand washing to reduce elemental intake, may contribute substantially to the protection of public health.
Materials and Methods: A total of 108 urban surface soil samples were collected from different land-use types. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were assessed using both deterministic and stochastic approaches.
Results: Based on the deterministic model, the mean hazard index (HI) and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values for both children and adults indicated low non-carcinogenic risk and moderate carcinogenic risk levels, respectively. The probability distribution of non-carcinogenic risk demonstrated that 100% of the risk values for residents were within the low-risk range. Furthermore, the probability distribution of carcinogenic risk revealed that 14.5% of the risk values for children fell within the high-risk category, whereas 100% of the risk values for adults were classified within the moderate-risk category. Sensitivity analysis indicated that soil ingestion rate, exposure duration, exposure frequency, and arsenic and nickel concentrations were the most influential factors affecting health risks in the study area.
Conclusion: Control of emission sources, along with regular monitoring of arsenic and nickel concentrations in soil, is strongly recommended. In addition, promoting personal hygiene practices among residents, particularly children, including frequent hand washing to reduce elemental intake, may contribute substantially to the protection of public health.
Keywords: Surface Soil, Hazardous Pollutants, Health Risk Assessment, Exposure Parameters, Monte Carlo Simulation
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Public Health
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