Detailed human risk assessment arising from groundwater contaminated by chlorinated hydrocarbons (DNAPLs)

Abstract

Human health risk assessment is the basis for groundwater contamination and remediation goals definitions. Chlorinated solvents have a high toxicity for humans, even at low concentrations, and are important soil and groundwater pollutants. The main objective of this work is to assess the human health risk derived of exposition to a contaminated groundwater using a commercial Risk Analysis model (RBCA) and taking into consideration different exposure factors. A case study was used. Some risk differences were observed using specific exposure factors in different countries, which were explained by differences in life style.