Carcinogenic and Non-carcinogenic Health Risk Assessment from Exposure of Heavy Metals in Hand Dug Wells in Gombe State

Abstract

Purpose: Heavy metals are among the commonest cause of water pollution and impact human health worldwide. Therefore, this study aims to assess the probable health risk (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk) for adults and children that are exposed to toxic heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn and Ni) through ingestion and dermal contact with dug well water in the locations.
 Methodology: The hand dug wells serve as sources of drinking water, domestic and industrial purposes. In this study, composite samples from the locations were tested for the presence of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The health risk assessments were evaluated.
 Findings: The results of the HQ values of heavy metals for combined pathways were below the safety level (HQ < 1) for adults, while the HI for children were higher than the safety limit in some stations. The average values of total carcinogenic risk index (CRI) through exposure to drinking water for children and adults were lower than 10−6. Overall, the CRI total through exposure to drinking water for children and adults are within safety level of WHO risk, negating the probability of carcinogenic risk for the children and adults to the carcinogenic elements via ingestion and dermal routes.
 Recommendation: Appropriate purification, improvement in enlightenment programs and control measures should be implemented to protect the health of the residents in these localities.