Health risk assessment from atmospheric parameters

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Knowledge based

• Understand the fundamentals of health risk assessment.
• Understand the basics of toxicology.
• Understand the atmospheric parameters that affect human health.
• Understand the relationship between the exposure-effect and dose-effect.

2. Skills / Competences acquired

• Students will be able to conduct a survey of the parameters that affect air quality and the potential hazards and stresses for human health.
• Students will have the knowledge and the understanding of the methods and procedures used in health risk assessment. They will acquired a professional attitude in interpretation of the available data from toxicological and epidemiological studies for the application in health risk assessment.

General Skills:

Search, analysis and synthesis of data and information,
ICT Use
Adaptation to new situations
Decision making
Teamwork
Working in an international environment
Working in an interdisciplinary environment
Project design and management
Respect for the natural environment
Sustainability
Critical thinking

Course Content:
The course provides the fundamental concepts in health risk assessment, toxicology, epidemiology, exposure assessment, risk assessment and management under European law.
Accidental releases of air pollutants in the case of industrial accidents are also discussed. Furthermore, it provides a basis of understanding the uncertainty factors and the application of health-based guidance values depending on the specific environment.
Emphasis is given on the evaluation of data from different sources, how to deal with the uncertainties and the data gaps in a health risk assessment.

Suggested Bibliography:

• E-book «Health risk assessment from atmospheric parameters» G. Loupa, available in the e-class.
• “PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS (ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION)”. ASANTE – DUAH K. SPRINGER, 2008
• Papers and free e-books