Non-Cancer

Non-cancer health impacts may be divided into two types of exposures and effects: chronic and acute.

Non-cancer risks may be quantified by calculating a "hazard index."  A hazard index is the ratio between the ambient concentration and the reference exposure level (REL). An REL is a concentration at or below which health effects are not likely to occur.  A hazard index less than one means that adverse health effects are not expected.

Chronic Risks

Chronic risks are non-cancer adverse health impacts, commonly associated with exposures to low concentrations of toxic air contaminants over long periods of time, as in several years. Typical symptoms of chronic exposure include persistent respiratory or digestive problems; chronic cough; chest pains; numbness or tingling; and/or loss of smell or taste.

Each toxic chemical has a unique chronic toxicological profile. Chemicals may affect the body through different mechanisms and target organs, and cause different chronic health effects. For a more detailed discussion about toxic chemicals and their potential chronic health impacts, please consult the Chronic Toxicity Summary. (Select the chemical of interest from the list provided.)

Acute Risks

Acute risks are non-cancer adverse health impacts, commonly associated with exposures to high concentrations of toxic air contaminants over short periods of time, as in minutes or hours. Typical symptoms of acute exposure may include headaches; dizziness; nausea; eye, nose, or throat irritation, and/or skin rash.

Each toxic chemical has a unique acute toxicological profile. Chemicals may affect the body through different mechanisms and target organs, and cause different acute health effects. For a more detailed discussion about toxic chemicals and their acute health impacts, please consult the Acute Toxicity Summary. (Select the chemical of interest from the list provided.)

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