Abstract
Two types of mathematical models were used to assess human exposure of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) inhaled in the prefectural seats in Japan. The environmen tal fate/exposure model was applied to estimate loading rates and atmospheric concen trations of PCE in 47 cities. The physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was applied to estimate distribution and metabolism of PCE in human body of inhabitants in 47 cities. Loading rates and atmospheric concentrations of PCE in 47 cities were estimated to be 267-15100 kg/day and 0.29-7.5μg/m3, respectively. The concentrations were lower than 230μg/m3, which was provisionally decided by Environment Agency as the acceptable limit of PCE in the atmosphemic environment. The estimated atmospheric concentrations of PCE in 15 cities were found to be in reasonable agreement with monitoring data. Concentrations and metabolism rates of PCE in liver compartment were estimated to be 0.011-0.27μg/1 and 0.09-2.4 μg/day, respectively. These values were consider ably lower than the concentration and metabolism rate estimated in case of continuous inhalation of PCE with the provisional acceptable limit. Because PCE is classified as a possible human carcinogen, it may be necessary to make efforts to reduce emission of PCE into the atmospheric environment.
