MULTIMEDIA CARCINOGENIC RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE POPULATION EXPOSED TO INDUSTRIAL EMISSIONS OF A LARGE COPPER SMELTER
We conducted a comprehensive environmental epidemiology study of chemical contamination of environmental media in the industrial town of Karabash, Qielyabinsk Region, with a large copper smelter. A multi-component evaluation of effects of industrial emissions on geochemical parameters of pollution of the residential area of the town (soil and snow), drinking water, and locally grown vegetables was also performed. Carcinogenic health risks were assessed based on results of the multimedia exposure assessment. The highest risks ranging 10-3 to 10-4 were attributed to the intake of carcinogens (arsenic and cadmium) with local vegetables and drinking water. The total carcinogenic risk for the population of the town was defined as unacceptable, thus requiring development and implementation of urgent actions.