Abstract
Introduction: Mine ash dumps, industries and domestic fuel use have a great impact on air quality and PM 10 (particles with a diameter equal to
or less than 10 µm) is a pollutant of particular concern. Methods: The objective of this study was to assess the human health risks posed by
exposure to PM10 among a low socio-economic community. The Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) framework (i.e. hazard assessment, doseresponse assessment, exposure assessment and risk characterization) was applied. PM 10 concentrations were monitored for one month during
winter and summer, respectively. A HHRA was conducted to assess whether the community was exposed to PM10 concentrations that may pose
carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. Results: Generally, the residents were exposed to higher concentrations of PM 10 during winter
than summer, resulting in a higher risk to health during winter. Results of the HHRA showed that infants were exposed to a higher dose of PM10
than the other life stages when exposed to the same concentration due to differences in inhalation rates and the ratio between inhalation and
body weight. However, they were at the same risk of developing adverse effects from exposure to the same concentration of PM 10 as the other life
stages were exposed to, because the 'safe' dose was also higher for infants and since all life stages, in general, are similarly affected by PM unless
the chemical composition of the PM is known. Conclusion: This study recommends that infants and children, in particular, should not be exposed
to air pollution from domestic fuel burning as one positive step to try and reduce their dose.