IMPACT OF AMBIENT PM10 AND PM2.5 CONCENTRATIONS ON HEALTH RISKS IN THE CITY OF NIŠ: EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE ROUTES

Analysis of air quality in the city of Niš indicates the presence of increased concentrations of pollutants in outdoor air. From 2019 to 2023, the air quality in the city of Niš was classified as highly polluted due to increased concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 particles. Multiple exceedances of the limit and tolerance values of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter are the basis for health risk that manifests through various types of pathological conditions. The physicochemical properties and chemical composition of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter are the criteria for classifying these particles as carcinogenic substances. This paper presents a probabilistic assessment of carcinogenic risk associated with inhalation, dermal, and ingestion exposure to suspended particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 among the exposed population. The risk of cancer development (Ri) was determined based on the intake dose and unit risk during four-hour daily exposure among the exposed population. The calculated probability is in the range of possible and/or acceptable risk, as well as the level of probable carcinogenic risk. The probability was determined using the methodology provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).