Heavy metal penetration into the human respiratory tract in Vilnius

Abstract

The peculiarities of the aerosol particle deposition in the human respiratory tract depending on the particle size and the breathing rate have been analysed. The highest deposition efficiency (0.85) was determined for the largest particles (10-20 µm) and the lowest efficiency (0.28) for the finer particles (0.3 µm). The heavy metal amount penetrating into the human respiratory tract at a different breathing rate in Vilnius has been evaluated. It has been determined that the deposition efficiency of heavy metals in the human respiratory tract changes insignificantly with the increase in the breathing rate, and when the breathing rate increases threefold (from 10 to 30 L min −1 ) the efficiency decreases only by about 10%. On the average, about 60% of heavy metals in the inhaled air penetrate into the respiratory tract. The comparison of Pb, V, and Zn concentrations in Vilnius city with those at the Preila background station has shown that they differ up to two times. It means that the contribution to the pollution with these metals in Vilnius city is insubstantial, and there is no considerable threat to human health.

A review on the importance of metals and metalloids in atmospheric dust and aerosol from mining operations

“…Coarse particles, such as those resulting from ore crushing and grinding, deposit in the upper respiratory system and are swallowed and go through the digestive system where contaminants may be absorbed, depending on their bioavailability. In contrast, fine particles, such as those originating from smelting operations, are respired deep into the lungs where they can be transported directly to the blood stream (Krombach et al, 1997; Park and Wexler, 2008; Valiulis et al, 2008). In addition, dermal deposition and incidental ingestion are exposure mechanisms that are related to particle size.…”

Hygroscopic Properties and Respiratory System Deposition Behavior of Particulate Matter Emitted By Mining and Smelting Operations

“…When reaching the lungs, such particles can then be transported to the blood stream by macrophages while contaminants such as metals and metalloids can diffuse into the blood stream 26-27 .…”

Size-resolved dust and aerosol contaminants associated with copper and lead smelting emissions: Implications for emission management and human health

“…Coarse particles (> 3 μm), such as those resulting from crushing and grinding of ore, deposit in the upper respiratory system and are swallowed and eliminated through the digestive system (Hinds, 1999). In contrast, fine particles (< 1 μm), such as those originating from smelting operations, are respired deep into the lungs where they may be transported directly to the blood stream and have a higher bioavailability due to their higher surface to volume ratios (Krombach et al, 1997; Park and Wexler, 2008; Valiulis et al, 2008). Particle size is also a critical characteristic for transport distance and building penetration within the adjoining environment: fine particles can travel further in the environment with residence times in the atmosphere that may reach days (Hinds, 1999).…”