Health risk assessment of heavy metals and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons in particulate matter adsorbed by indoor air purifiers

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) adsorbed by air purifiers, normally used in residential buildings, was collected and analysed by this study. The concentrations of eight heavy metals and 16 poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The health risk of heavy metals and PAHs was assessed using the health assessment model recommended by the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA). The results showed that the total concentrations of heavy metals during the heating period and non-heating period were 771.27 mg/kg and 441.10 mg/kg, respectively. The carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity of chemicals found are higher during the heating period than the non-heating period. The exposure of children was higher than that of adults. Eight heavy metals would pose non-carcinogenic risks for children, but four of these would pose carcinogenic risks for adults and children. The total concentrations of 16 PAHs during the heating period and non-heating period were 106.69 μg/kg and 68.72 μg/kg, respectively. Total toxicity equivalents (TEQs) were 16.37 μg/kg and 9.20 μg/kg, respectively. Among them, 4-rings PAHs accounted for the highest proportion, followed by 5-rings PAHs and 6-rings PAHs. The proportion of 2-rings and 3-rings PAHs were the lowest. 16 PAHs could pose a high carcinogenic risk to adults and children during the heating period, and there was a potential carcinogenic risk during the non-heating period.

Emission and occupational health risk assessment of harmful contaminants in various processes in a typical semiconductor manufacturing industry building

“…26 The method recommended by the US EPA was used to assess non-cancer and cancer risk of chemicals via inhalation. 34,54,55…”

Insights into the house dust-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their potential human health risk in Greater Cairo, Egypt

“…[89][90][91] Our present findings were almost consistent to those reported in earlier similar studies. 28,51,82,92,93…”

“…5,21-27 Petroleum refining, petrochemical activities, power generation, vehicle emissions, waste water treatment plants and oil spills are the major sources of PAHs found outdoors. 28-33…”

“…5,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27] Petroleum refining, petrochemical activities, power generation, vehicle emissions, waste water treatment plants and oil spills are the major sources of PAHs found outdoors. [28][29][30][31][32][33] Indoor dust particles are important hazardous pollutants, as they act as a reservoir for hundreds of hazardous chemicals. 34 Dust particles can pose a substantial risk to human health through inhalation, since 93% of dust particles in indoor environments can be resuspended in the air, with approximately 20% inhaled.…”

The urgency and challenge of improving indoor environment quality in rural regions of China

“…At present, experts and scholars focused their attention on indoor air quality in urban buildings. According to statistics, 3,4 less than 10% of them have studied indoor air quality in rural regions. Due to the complexity of indoor air pollution sources and the limitations of living standards in rural regions, IAP has serious and potential health risks.…”