A REALISTIC CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT OF INORGANIC ARSENIC

The study presents a realistic evaluation of the skin cancer risk asso ciated with inorganic arsenic exposure through drinking water ingestio n. The study uses a probabilistic risk assessment, which is recognized as an important tool in the characterization of health hazards associ ated with environmental toxin exposure. Compared to the approach with point values, this approach considers the uncertainty of its input val ues and evaluates realistic estimates of the health risks. Hence, the method provides useful information to the risk manager needing to make a wise decision regarding cancer risk associated with inorganic arsen ic. Results have shown that the current level of inorganic arsenic in drinking water exceeds the current cancer risk criterion (10(-6)) for the majority of general population. Hence, the study suggests that mea sures to reduce arsenic levels in water supplies should be considered. This information could be used to determine whether a drinking water standard associated with inorganic arsenic is health-protective.