Integrating Input Output Analysis with Risk Assessment to Evaluate the Population Risk of Arsenic

• Published in: Environmental science & technology 2012-01, Vol.46 (2), p.1104-1110
• Main Authors: Ma, Hwong-wen, Shih, Hsiu-Ching, Hung, Ming-Lung, Chao, Chia-Wei, Li, Pei-Chiun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Arsenic; Arsenic - adverse effects; Arsenic - chemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Demography; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Emissions; Environmental Exposure; Environmental impact statements; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants - adverse effects; Environmental Pollutants - chemistry; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Humans; Industrial Waste; Industry; Input output; Input output analysis; Kilns; Models, Theoretical; Risk Assessment; Risk management; Taiwan
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/es203036r

Multimedia and site-specific risk assessments (RA) of major sources releasing arsenic (As) were converted into sector-based risk coefficients, which were integrated with the Input Output Table (IO) to analyze the association between sector activities and health risks. The developed IO-RA framework is a valuable tool for unfolding the risk chain linking the receptors, exposure pathways, emission sources, and production and consumption activities associated with various industrial sectors. The enlarged decision space along the chain can then be considered in planning risk management strategies. This case study estimates that air emissions of As result in 1.54 carcinogenic cases. Export is the primary driving force and accounts for approximately 48% of the final demand that leads to population risks of As. The ranking of the contribution of the five sectors in terms of total population risks is as follows: electricity supply (1.06E+00), steelmaking (2.2 × 10–1), cement kilns (1.50 × 10–1), semiconductor manufacturing (6.34 × 10–2) and incinerators (4.31 × 10–2). The electricity supply, steelmaking industry, and cement kilns are the major sectors, not only because their emissions directly cause risk but also because they have a stronger influence on the risk generated by other sectors.