Environment Health Risk Assessment on 9 Elements in PM_2.5 in Beijing

Objectives To explore the health risk level of 9 elements in PM_2.5 in Beijing and provide basic data for formulating protection strategies on human health.

Methods Based on continuous monitoring the concentration of elements in PM_2.5 in Beijing from March 2014 to February 2015, non-carcinogenic risks and carcinogenic risks for different populations, seasons and pollution levels were calculated by using a "four-step" risk assessment method proposed by the American Academy of Sciences.

Results The trend of non-carcinogenic risk level of elements in PM_2.5 in Beijing was As > Cr > Co > Cd > Mn > Ni > Se > V, and the trend of carcinogenic risk level of elements in PM_2.5 in Beijing was Cd > As > Cr > Pb. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk level of elements in PM_2.5 in the winter was higher than that in the summer. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk level of elements in PM_2.5 in haze days was higher than that in non-haze days. The non-carcinogenic risk level of elements in PM_2.5 for children was higher than that for adults, but the carcinogenic risk level of elements in PM_2.5 for children was lower than that for adults.

Conclusions The health risk level of elements in PM_2.5 in Beijing had a more obvious seasonal trend. Attention should be paid to the risk on people's health in the winter and haze days.