A Case Study of Qatar: Health Risk Assessment associated with Bisphenol A

Abstract

This study is aimed at evaluating exposure to bisphenol A in drinkable water. Much studies have not been conducted on Bisphenol A in the drinkable water globally, in Arabian Gulf and particularly in Qatar. This assessment studies the probable risks associated with exposure of children as well as adults to bisphenol A in drinkable water around Doha. The risk assessment was conducted based on the water analyses collected over the two seasons (winter and summer) as well as most recent bisphenol A toxicity data published by the Environmental Protection Agency, USA (US EPA). It was found that the concentration levels of bisphenol A (0.0002205mg/kg b.w./day, 0.0001515mg/kg b.w./day) in both seasons fell below acceptable levels (0.05mg/kg b.w./day). Statistical analysis established that there is no variation in the concentration levels during summer and winter. The calculated health risk assessment measured in terms of hazard quotient or hazard ratio and hazard index were less than one (summer 6.18E-02 < 1, winter 14.24E-02 < 1). Hence, non-carcinogenic health risk was found to be within the safety limit for bisphenol.