Human health risks posed by exposure to PM10 for four life stages in a low socio-economic community in South Africa

INTRODUCTION: Mine ash dumps, industries and domestic fuel use have a great impact on air quality and PM(10) (particles with a diameter equal to or less than 10 μm) is a pollutant of particular concern. METHODS: The objective of this study was to assess the human health risks posed by exposure to PM(10) among a low socio-economic community. The Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) framework (i.e. hazard assessment, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment and risk characterization) was applied. PM(10) concentrations were monitored for one month during winter and summer, respectively. A HHRA was conducted to assess whether the community was exposed to PM10 concentrations that may pose carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. RESULTS: Generally, the residents were exposed to higher concentrations of PM(10) during winter than summer, resulting in a higher risk to health during winter. Results of the HHRA showed that infants were exposed to a higher dose of PM10 than the other life stages when exposed to the same concentration due to differences in inhalation rates and the ratio between inhalation and body weight. However, they were at the same risk of developing adverse effects from exposure to the same concentration of PM(10) as the other life stages were exposed to, because the ‘safe’ dose was also higher for infants and since all life stages, in general, are similarly affected by PM unless the chemical composition of the PM is known. CONCLUSION: This study recommends that infants and children, in particular, should not be exposed to air pollution from domestic fuel burning as one positive step to try and reduce their dose.