Health risk and toxicity assessment of exhaust air from non-incineration devices for hospital waste treatment in Tehran, Iran.

this study investigates the health risks and cytotoxicity associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from non-incineration devices used in hospital waste management. The research focuses on the levels of BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) across four hospitals in Tehran, Iran, during the period from October 2022 to March 2023. BTEX concentrations were measured using Gas Chromatography (GC), and cytotoxicity was evaluated through the MTT assay on A549 cells.Results revealed that toluene was the most abundant BTEX compound, with concentrations ranging from 69.30 to 136.68 µg/m2, followed by m- and p-xylene. Benzene concentrations were notably lower, ranging from 7.32 to 34.80 µg/m2. Hazard quotient (HQ) assessments indicated a lower health risk in hospitals A and D, while hospitals B and C showed HQ values exceeding one, signifying higher potential risks. The study also demonstrated significant cytotoxicity across all hospital waste treatment devices, with the highest cytotoxicity observed in samples from autoclaves equipped with shredders, likely due to the presence of pharmaceutical waste.The findings highlight the necessity for stringent monitoring and regulation of VOC emissions from non-incineration devices to mitigate potential health risks, emphasizing the importance of effective waste management practices in healthcare facilities. This study contributes valuable insights for developing new policies and strategies to reduce the negative environmental and health impacts of hospital waste management.