A person works in an aluminum smelter for 10 years. The air in the smelter contains 0.560 ?g/m3 lead and 0.070 ?g/m3 benzene. This perspn’s only exposure to these chemicals is in air at work.
(a) What is the hazard index HQ and RQ associated with this exposure?
(b) Does the HQ and RQ indicate this is a safe level of exposure?
(c) What is the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for the person due solely to the air he/she inhales at work and does it seem to be an acceptable risk according to USEPA and Health Canada? Explain.