Health Risk Assessment of Respiratory Exposure to Arsenic in Atmospheric PM_2.5 in Nantong, Jiangsu Pvovince, China

Objective To assess the health risk of respiratory exposure to arsenic in atmospheric PM_2.5 in Nantong, Jiangsu Pvovince, China.

Methods PM_2.5 samples were collected at Yongxing monitoring point from 10 to 16 of each month from 2017 to 2019. The concentration of arsenic was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the assessment was carried out according to the Technical Specification for Health Risk Assessment of Air Pollution Population (WS/T 666-2019).

Results There are significant differences in the daily average of arsenic values in monitoring points in the past three years(F=9.72, P < 0.05). There was significant difference in daily average value of arsenic between the past three years. The daily average of arsenic values in 2017 is higher than that of 2018 and 2019. The lifetime non carcinogenic risk (HQ) of arsenic in ambient air of the monitoring point in three years was less than 1. The lifetime excess carcinogenic risk of arsenic ranged from 2.94 × 10^-6 to 4.93 × 10^-6.

Conclusion Arsenic in PM_2.5 in Nantong has a certain health risk through respiratory exposure.