Technological research on hazard classification of common dusts

Objective To establish a classification method of health hazards of common dusts.

Methods Through literature search and TOPSIS method, health hazard indicator and corresponding weighting coefficient of 58 dusts were determined and the score of each health hazard indicator was assessed based on both epidemiological data and toxicological data. Then, a comprehensive evaluation index, named as hazard index, of each dust was calculated based on cumulative sum of "health hazard score × weighting coefficient".

Results Three types of health hazards of dusts were considered, including fibrosis, carcinogenicity and allergenicity. The weighting coefficients were determined as 5, 3 and 2, respectively. The health hazard score varied from 0 to 4 based on the evidence of epidemiological and/or toxicological results. The comprehensive evaluation index of dust=health hazard score of fibrosis × 5 + of health hazard score of carcinogenicity × 3 + of health hazard score of allergenicity × 2, which could be divided into four grading levels, namely extreme hazard (4 kinds), high hazard (8 kinds), medium hazard (24 kinds) and mild hazard (22 kinds).

Conclusion Based on the available evidence and combined with TOPSIS method, the comprehensive evaluation index of dust was determined and could provide scientific basis for quantitative assessment and classification management of common dust.