Health risk assessment of occupational exposure to heavy metals in a steel casting unit of a steelmaking plant using Monte–Carlo simulation technique

Abstract

The present work aimed to evaluate the health risks of occupational exposure to heavy metals in a steel casting unit of a steel plant. To determine occupational exposure to heavy metals, personal air samples were taken from the workers’ breathing zones using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health method. Noncancer and cancer risks due to the measured metals were calculated according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency procedures. The results indicated that the noncancer risks owing to occupational exposure to lead (Pb) and manganese were higher than the recommended value in most of the workstations. The estimated cancer risk of Pb was also higher than the allowable value. Moreover, the results of sensitivity analysis indicated that the concentration, inhalation rate, and exposure duration were the most influencing variables contributing to the calculated risks. It was thus concluded that the present control measures were not adequate and further improvements were required for reducing the exposure levels.

Occupational health risk assessment methods in China: A scoping review

“…In the U.S., Clewell et al ( 54 ) described the process of the PBPK model development and highlighted issues related to the specification of model structure and parameters, model evaluation, and consideration of uncertainty in environmental and occupational risk assessment. Monte Carlo simulation was carried out to assess health risk of occupational exposure to heavy metals in a steel casting unit of a steelmaking plant in Iran ( 55 ).…”

Health Risk Assessment of Inhalable Dust Exposure during the Welding and Grinding Process of Subway Aluminum Alloy Components

“…Furthermore, the Monte Carlo simulation method is a very effective method for the human health risk assessment of environmental contaminants. Dehghani et al [17] adopted the Monte Carlo simulation technique to assess the health risks of heavy metal exposure in a steel plant, and found that further improved control measures should be proposed for reducing the occupational exposure levels. In addition, quantitative health risk analysis based on the Monte Carlo simulation can provide an important scientific basis for evaluating potential human risk assessment [15,18].…”

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Groundwater of Hainan Island Using the Monte Carlo Simulation Coupled with the APCS/MLR Model

“…Probabilistic methods can reduce the estimation bias caused by uncertainty and obtain more accurate evaluation results [24]. The Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is an effective probabilistic evaluation method that not only quantifies the uncertainty in the risk assessment but also identifies the degree of influence of the exposure pathways and parameters on the risk, and has been increasingly applied to the risk assessment of HMs [25,26]. Therefore, we attempt to take advantage of this by using a combination of the HRA and the MCS to assess the health risk in this study.…”