Health risk assessment of atmospheric air pollution: a case study of adolescents and adults in Kazan.

Introduction: The state policy of many countries is aimed at reducing atmospheric air pollution. The purpose of this work is to assess the health risk of adolescents and adults associated with the impact of atmospheric air chemicals in the city of Kazan.

Materials and methods: This study was carried out on the basis of the data of socio-hygienic monitoring (2015-2022). Non-carcinogenic risk assessments werecarried out in accordance with Guideline 2.1.10.3968-23 to calculate the average daily doses for adolescents (14-17 years old) and the adult population. The total risk of carcinogenic effects (HQs) and the hazard index of non-carcinogenic effects (HIs) were calculated..

Results: The main contributors to the risk (HQ) for adolescents and adults in Kazan are carbon at 32.8%, nitrogen dioxide at 21.7%, PM10 at 20.7%, formaldehyde at 8.5%, and PM2.5 at 8.2%. Annual mean concentrations for the city of Kazan for carbon were 0.189 mg/m3, for nitrogen dioxide 0.081 mg/m3, for PM10 0.074 mg/m3, for formaldehyde 0.004 mg/m3, and for PM2.5 0.02 mg/m3. The cumulative risk of non-carcinogenic effects is 4.1 (high risk) for adolescents and 2.9 (alarming risk) for adults. The highest toxic load is respiratory: HI=3.8 for adolescents (alarming risk) and HI=2.7 for adults (acceptable risk). Mortality indices are HI=1.7 and HI=1.2, respectively, remaining within acceptable limits. Dental and systemic diseases ranked third, with HI=1.4 for adolescents and HI=1.0 for adults.

Conclusions: The comparative assessment of non-carcinogenic effects in adolescents corresponds to a high level, requiring comprehensive risk reduction measures, while for adults it is alarming, requiring routine wellness interventions.