Health risk from exposure of organic pollutants through drinking water consumption in Nanjing, China

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2010 Jan;84(1):46-50. doi: 10.1007/s00128-009-9900-8. Epub 2009 Nov 14.

Abstract

Human health risk analysis for 24 organic pollutants in drinking water of Nanjing was conducted. For non-carcinogenic risk, the 95th percentile hazard quotient (HQ) values of pollutants were all less than the unacceptable level of one. Considering the lifetime carcinogenic risk (LCR), however, the 95th percentile LCR values of 2,6-dinitrotoluene (1.30E-05), benzo(b)fluoranthene (3.10E-05), benzo(a)pyrene (3.37E-05) and dibenz(a,h)anthracene (2.09E-05) exceeded the unacceptable level of 1.00 E-05. These results suggest that organic pollutants in drinking water of Nanjing might pose potential lifetime carcinogenic risk for local consumers, and concerted efforts are required to ensure safety of consumers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Risk Assessment
  • Water / chemistry*
  • Water Pollutants / analysis*
  • Water Supply

Substances

  • Water Pollutants
  • Water