Publication Cover
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A
Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering
Volume 33, 1998 - Issue 6
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Original Articles

A realistic cancer risk assessment of inorganic arsenic

Pages 1149-1170 | Received 22 Dec 1997, Published online: 15 Dec 2008
 

Abstract

The study presents a realistic evaluation of the skin cancer risk associated with inorganic arsenic exposure through drinking water ingestion. The study uses a probabilistic risk assessment, which is recognized as an important tool in the characterization of health hazards associated with environmental toxin exposure. Compared to the approach with point values, this approach considers the uncertainty of its input values and evaluates realistic estimates of the health risks. Hence, the method provides useful information to the risk manager needing to make a wise decision regarding cancer risk associated with inorganic arsenic. Results have shown that the current level of inorganic arsenic in drinking water exceeds the current cancer risk criterion (10‐6) for the majority of general population. Hence, the study suggests that measures to reduce arsenic levels in water supplies should be considered. This information could be used to determine whether a drinking water standard associted with inorganic arsenic is health‐protective.

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