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http://dx.doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2021.47.4.366

Seasonal Concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Residential Areas Around Petrochemical Complexes and Risk Assessment Using Monte-Carlo Simulation  

Park, Dong-Yun (Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Medical School, Inje University)
Choe, Young-Tae (Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University)
Yang, Wonho (Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University)
Choi, Kil-Yong (Department of Environmental Energy, Anyang University)
Lee, Chae-Kwan (Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Medical School, Inje University)
Publication Information
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences / v.47, no.4, 2021 , pp. 366-377 More about this Journal
Abstract
Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are generated in petrochemical complexes, can spread to residential areas and affect the health of residents. Although harmful PAHs are mainly present in particle phase, gas phase PAHs can generate stronger toxic substances through photochemical reaction. Therefore, the risk assessment for PAHs around the petrochemical complex should consider both particle and gas phase concentrations. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the concentration characteristics of particle and gas phase PAHs by season in residential areas around petrochemical complexes, and to assess the risk of PAHs. Methods: Samples were collected for 7 days by seasons in 2014~2015 using a high volume air sampler. Particle and gas phase PAHs were sampled using quartz filter and polyurethane foam, respectively, analyzed by GC-MS. Chronic toxicity and probabilistic risk assessment were performed on 14 PAHs. For chronic toxicity risk assessment, inhalation unit risk was used. Monte-Carlo simulation was performed for probabilistic risk assessment using the mean and standard deviation of measured PAHs. Results: The concentration of particle total PAHs was highest in autumn. The gas phase concentration was highest in autumn. The average gas phase distribution ratio of low molecular weight PAHs composed of 2~3 benzene rings was 85%. The average of the medium molecular weight composed of 4 benzene rings was 53%, and the average of the high molecular weight composed of 5 or more benzene rings was 9%. In the chronic toxicity risk assessment, 7 of the 14 PAHs exceeded the excess carcinogenic risk of 1.00×10-6. In the Monte-Carlo simulation, Benzo[a]pyrene had the highest probability of exceeding 1.00×10-6, which was 100%. Conclusions: The concentration of PAHs in the residential area around the petrochemical complex exceeded the standard, and the excess carcinogenic risk was evaluated to be high. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the air environment around the petrochemical complex.
Keywords
Monte-carlo; PAHs; particle and gas phase; risk assessment;
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