Health Risk Assessment of Nitrate Pollution in the Voronezh Region

Introduction: The solution to the problem of assessing current nitrate pollution and the associated human health risks has not lost its relevance due to frequent detection of high concentrations of nitrates in drinking water and food. Objective: To assess health risks of nitrate pollution of drinking water and food products for the population of the Voronezh Region. Materials and methods: We used data on quality indicators of centralized domestic drinking water supply systems and levels of contaminants in food raw materials collected within public health surveillance for the period of 2012 to 2024 in 34 administrative territories of the Voronezh Region. The main indicator was the hazard quotient (HQ), which characterizes non-carcinogenic risk. Results: Health risk assessment of nitrate pollution of drinking water and food products for the population of the Voronezh Region showed that the intake of nitrates from food posed greater risks of adverse human health effects than that from drinking water, since risk indicators and the number of territories with poor food quality and safety were higher. Children were found to be at higher risk of exposure to nitrate pollution from among the population groups under consideration (children, adolescents, and adults): a dangerous level of risk posed by nitrate exposure from dietary sources was established in 32 of 34 administrative territories (HQ ranging from 3.18 to 6.24); in 4 districts, HQ of 1.10 to 2.24 indicated a possible adverse health effect of nitrates in drinking water. Conclusions: Nitrates are typical pollutants for the territories of the Voronezh Region, which necessitates in-depth studies of the sources and causes of their entry into various environments to mitigate nitrate exposure of the population. Preventive measures are recommended, including proposals for improving monitoring and informing the public.