Health consequences of releases

This chapter deals with some simple and quick methods for the evaluation of the dispersion in the environment of gaseous releases (gases, volatile products, aerosols and particulates). Chapter 7 describes some methods for evaluating the health consequences of releases. 

To develop a better understanding of the potential health consequences of radiocerium in our environment, it is important to know the possible sources and physical and chemical forms of its release. The metabolism and dosimetry of internally-deposited radiocerium are highly dependent upon the forms of the material presented to the body and the mode of exposure as discussed in Section 3—Metabolism of Cerium in Mammalian Species. 

ENPs are emerging class of airborne nanoparticles having a main impact on the air quality of indoor environments these are unintentionally released into the ambient environment during the manufacture (commercial or research), handling, use or disposal of nanomaterials integrated products. Their physical and chemical characteristics differ from other nanoparticles produced through traffic [4], The health consequences of their inhalation are not yet well known. A number of studies have reported their number concentrations and size distributions in workplaces but their concentrations in ambient urban environments are largely unknown and warrant further research. Adequate methods have yet to be developed to quantify them in the presence of nanoparticles from other sources. 

Nutritional Implications. The nutritive quality of any protein depends on three factors amino acid composition, digestibility, and utilization of the released amino acids. Bacemization brought about by processing can impair the nutritive value of proteins by (a) generating non-metabolizable forms of amino acids (D-enanticmers), (b) creating peptide bonds inaccessible to proteolytic enzymes, and (c) toxic action (or interaction) of specific D-enanticmers. Little is known concerning the health consequences of human consumption of racemized proteins. No study has specifically evaluated amino acid losses due to racemization within food proteins. 

The human health consequences of the accident at tire Three Mile Island Unit 2 (TMI-2) nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania in 1979 were minimal. The small radioactive releases at Three Mile Island have had no detectable health effects on plant workers or the public, and a recent study determined that the actual release had negligible effects on the physical health of individuals or the environment (World Nuclear Association report, January 2012). 

The technical differences between site problems at RCRA facilities and CERCLA sites sometimes may be difficult to distinguish, owing to similarities in present or past uses of the site, in hydrogeologic setting, and/or in the types of substances disposed, spilled, or otherwise managed at the site. Consequently, many technical aspects of the study and remediation of releases of hazardous wastes and constituents from RCRA facilities often will closely parallel those at Superfund sites, and cleanups under both statutes must achieve similar goals for protection of public health and the environment. Additionally, activities which would be termed removal actions or expedited response actions under CERCLA may be undertaken by owners and operators under RCRA. In the RCRA context, such actions are termed interim measures, as will be discussed in subsequent chapters. 

The analysis of the consequences of nuclear accidents began with physical concepts of core melt, discussed the mathematical and code models of radionuclide release and transport within the plant to its release into the environment, models for atmospheric transport and the calculation of health effects in humans. After the probabilities and consequences of the accidents have been determined, they must be assembled and the results studied and presented to convey the meanings. 

The model contains a surface energy method for parameterizing winds and turbulence near the ground. Its chemical database library has physical properties (seven types, three temperature dependent) for 190 chemical compounds obtained from the DIPPR" database. Physical property data for any of the over 900 chemicals in DIPPR can be incorporated into the model, as needed. The model computes hazard zones and related health consequences. An option is provided to account for the accident frequency and chemical release probability from transportation of hazardous material containers. When coupled with preprocessed historical meteorology and population den.sitie.s, it provides quantitative risk estimates. The model is not capable of simulating dense-gas behavior. 

It can simulate a wide variety of release scenarios but is particularly well suited to assessing health consequence impacts and risk. 

Organoarsenic compounds have been of importance in human toxicology but have not as yet received much attention in regard to environmental effects. Like methyl mercury compounds, they are both synthesized in the environment from inorganic forms and released into the environment as a consequence of human activity (Environmental Health Criteria 18). They can cause neurotoxicity. 

The largest releases of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are due to the incomplete combustion of organic compounds during the course of industrial processes and other human activities. Important sources include the combustion of coal, crude oil, and natural gas for both industrial and domestic purposes, the use of such materials in industrial processes (e.g., the smelting of iron ore), the operation of the internal combustion engine, and the combustion of refuse (see Environmental Health Criteria 202, 1998). The release of crude oil into the sea by the offshore oil industry and the wreckage of oil tankers are important sources of PAH in certain areas. Forest hres, which may or may not be the consequence of human activity, are a signihcant... 

The Substitution Principle is closely tied to the general goal of elimination, which is manifested in Article 5. A direct consequence of the employment of the Substitution Principle is the application of best Available Technologies (BAT) and Best Environmental Practice (BEP) when dealing with unintentional sources as classified in Annex C. BAT as such also requires the use of less hazardous substances. (Annex C, part V, (A (b)) again refers to the Substitution Principle demanding in para (d) the replacement of feed materials which are POPs or where there is a direct link between the materials and releases of POPs from the source and consequently health effects and harm for humans and the environment. 

An important consequence of acidification is mobilization of metals from terrestrial watersheds [14]. Particularly important is the release of aluminium because of its toxic effects on freshwater biota especially on fish [15]. Not all A1 forms are toxic. Only cationic species contained within the operational forms termed labile A1 (LAI) or inorganic monomeric A1 (Ali) are gUl-reactive and hence affect fish health [16]. It has been shown that concentrations of soluble aluminium increase with decreasing pH from a pH of ca. 6.3 [17]. 

The concentration of nitrogen oxides found in the air is almost always much less than these levels, and the health effects described here rarely occur except in accidents or spills in which nitrogen dioxide is released to the air. Instead, the most serious health consequences related to NO exposure occur indirectly, when nitrogen dioxide reacts with other air pollutants to form photochemical smog... 

Until recently most people and nearly all corporations accepted the release of at least some level of hazardous wastes into the environment as an unpleasant, but necessary, consequence of the huge success of modern chemical technology. Certainly no one is happy about the presence of dioxins (and PCBs and PAHs and other hazardous chemicals) in the environment. They undoubtedly result in some number of health problems and deaths around the world each year. But that is a small price to pay, some would argue, for having such a diverse and rich supply of pesticides, drugs, perfumes, synthetic foods, medicines, and other chemical products. 

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