Objective To evaluate the practical value of a quantitative assessment method in assessing occupational hazard risks.
Methods Following the basic protocol described in Human Health Evaluation Manual Part F: Inhalation Risk Assessment Guide Supplement released by the US Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), field investigation and hazard identification, duration and exposure pattern assessment, exposure assessment, and cancer or non-cancer risk assessment were carried out in an electroplating enterprise.
Results Respiratory exposures and sub-chronic exposures were outstanding in the enterprise. The time weighted average concentrations of hydrochloric acid in the oil-extraction workstations, cyanide in the copper pre-plating workstations, and chromium trioxide in the chromium plating workstations were 5.2-5.8, 0.16-0.19, and 0.018-0.023 mg/m3, respectively. The hazard quotients for degreasing, copper pre-plating, and chromium plating workplaces were 75, 61, and 360 respectively(all >1), which indicated relatively high high risks. The risk values for exposure to soluble nickel compounds in the nickel plating workstations and chromium trioxide in the chromium plating workstations were 1& #215;10-4 and 2.4& #215;10-3 respectively(both >1& #215;10-6), which indicated cancer risks.
Conclusion The concentrations of soluble nickel compounds in the nickel plating workstations and chromium trioxide in the chromium plating workstations are qualified, but presenting lung cancer risks. The method is not applicable in assessing occupational hazard without established corresponding reference values such as reference concentration or inhalation unit risk.
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