Final answer:
Without the dose-response curve, an exact risk assessment cannot be provided; however, the concept of cancer risk is calculated by comparing the exposure level to known risk values. This applies both to the original question about cancer risk from breathing a carcinogenic VOC and to the example risks provided, such as radiation-induced cancer or radon exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the cancer risk associated with exposure to a carcinogenic volatile organic compound (VOC), we would typically use the dose-response curve provided. However, since the figure is not available, we cannot provide an exact risk value. Instead, we can look at general principles. If we assume that the risk is proportional to the dose (as suggested by the linear hypothesis), and given that a 70-kg person breathes 20 m3/day of air containing 10-3 mg/m3 of the VOC for a 70-year lifetime, we could theoretically calculate the risk by multiplying the concentration of the VOC by the volume of air inhaled over the person's lifetime and comparing it to known risk levels. However, without specific information from a dose-response curve, an accurate risk assessment cannot be performed.
Regarding other scenarios mentioned for context, such as radiation-induced cancer risks from 1 rem and 100 rem doses, or the effects of releasing carcinogens into a river and their residence times, or the radon exposure, each of these would require its own detailed risk assessment based on the specific exposure levels, duration, and the substance's toxicological profile.