Keykhosravi S S, Nejadkoorki F, Zamani S. Developing a Risk Assessment Model for Respiratory Exposure to Toxic Chemical pollutants in one of gas refineries in South Pars using a Combination of AERMOD and SQRA Methods. J Health Saf Work 2023; 13 (1) :109-128
URL:
http://jhsw.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6806-en.html
1- Department of Environment Science, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran , keykhosravisaeed98@gmail.com
2- Department of Environment Science, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
3- Department of Environment Science, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract: (1237 Views)
Introduction: Nowadays, air pollution is now considered to be the largest environmental health threat. This study was conducted with the aim of determining occupational exposure to chemical pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and assessing the health risk of exposure to these compounds using a combination of AERMOD and SQRA methods.
Material and Methods: The present study is considered as a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional research, which was conducted in 2002 in one of the gas air refineries of South Pars in the Persian Gulf region, in such a way that the amount of emissions coming out of refinery chimneys was measured by the Testo 350- XL. AERMOD model was used to simulate the dispersion of H2S and SO2 chemical pollutants. Respiratory exposure and health risk assessment of refinery personnel and nearby residents were performed using the recommended method by the Singapore Occupational Health Services Pte Ltd.
Results: Hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide were introduced as the most dangerous chemicals. According to the results, the highest risk value for sulfur dioxide among the exposure groups was related to the sulfur recovery unit (SRU), the west side of the Train Gas unit and the gate pass building of the refinery, and the highest risk values for sulfur dioxide among the exposure groups were related to the HSE building, security door, fire stations building, tanks, steam generating unit, west side of Train Gas unit, dining hall and gate pass building of the refinery. Hydrogen sulfide obtained a low to medium risk level, and sulfur dioxide a low to high risk level in terms of frequency.
Conclusion: This model can be considered as a suitable and quick solution in the superior management of the concentration of pollutants and also a promising solution in order to increase the ability of decision makers to assess the health risk of industries’ personnel. Also, ensuring quality monitoring results and reducing sampling costs are discussed.
Type of Study:
Research |
Received: 2023/03/13 | Accepted: 2023/03/30 | Published: 2023/03/30