Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in People Living Near the Mine-Closure in Tak Province

Heavy metals including lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) can damage the kidney, liver, brain, lungs, blood composition, and other vital organs. As a result, their toxicity, especially when contaminated in food, water, and soil, can be harmful to human health. This study evaluated the risk of adverse health effects to residents near closed zinc mines in Tak Province, Thailand. Data was collected from three subdistrict sites and analyzed for probable health risk. Scenario pathways were oral and dermal contact of heavy metals; including Pb, Zn, and Cd, in four age groups with average daily dose and hazard quantification; hazard index (HI); and cancer risk (CR) considered. Results were that carcinogen risk quantification exceeded the recommended limit (CR ≤10-6) in all scenarios, and the hazard index for non-carcinogenic risk was below the acceptable level (HQ ≤1), in which Cd dominated for all categories. These findings suggest that all medias and food products should be appropriately monitored, especially with carcinogenic surveillance, to mitigate health effects on residents.