Health Risk Assessment from Bush Fire Air Pollutants using Statistical Analysis and Geographic Information System: A Case Study in Northern Thailand

Abstract

The association between fine particulate matter (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and health risk were analysed from the air quality data and frequency of fire events in 2009-2013. The risk areas and Hazard Quotient (HQ) were compared and illustrated by Geographic Information System (GIS). Hazard Index (HI) of CO, O3 and BTEX were significantly correlated with r = 0.57, 0.55 and 0.55 (p less than 0.05) respectively. Carcinogenic risk of benzene and ethyl benzene were associated with fire events, r = 0.79 and 0.31 (p less than 0.05) and the unit risk was higher than standard level, 1×10-6