Assessment of the risk caused by soil contamination with heavy metals and arsenic for the population at the city with glass production

Introduction. The paper presents the results of the assessment of the carcinogenic risk and the risk of developing non-carcinogenic effects on the health in the population caused by soil pollution with heavy metals and arsenic in the city of Gus-Khrustalny and the Vladimir region.

Materials and methods. The assessment of the risk for population health was carried out in accordance with R 2.1.10.3968-23 based on actual concentrations of gross forms of copper As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn in the city soil.

Results. In several points of the city the total carcinogenic risk has been established to correspond to the alarming level of risk; in other points – to the permissible level. In the formation of the carcinogenic risk and the total hazard index, the oral route is the priority route of entry. The highest hazard indices are noted for the age group up to 7 years. The nervous system, blood system, respiratory system, skin and cardiovascular system are exposed to the greatest risk in the population of Gus-Khrustalny due to the contamination of urban soils with heavy metals and arsenic.

The limitations of the study are related to the values of exposure factors, reference doses, and tilt factors.

Conclusion. The soils of the city of Gus-Khrustalny, characterized in most points by unfavorable values of hygienic indicators in terms of heavy metals and arsenic, contribute to the risk of general toxic effects in the child population. Multiple elements soil pollution in the city may be one of the reasons for the high values of epidemiological risk indicators for the health of children in the city. The results of the study confirm the need to manage environmental and hygienic monitoring and detoxification of contaminated soils here.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study does not require a biomedical ethics committee opinion.

Conflict of interest. The author declares no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: October 16, 2024 / Revised: May 6, 2025 / Accepted: June 26, 2025 / Published: August 20, 2025

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