Evaluating the health risks of heavy metal pollution in dust storms in the city of Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined the heavy metal content in dust storm samples from Erbil, Iraq, along with four other locations. Using ICP-MS, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Fe and As were determined. The health risks due to exposure to these metals through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact were assessed for both adults and children. Non-carcinogenic risks were evaluated using the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). Children faced a cumulative risk with HQ > 0.2 for As and Cr and HI > 1. The carcinogenic risk was measured using the carcinogenic risk factor (CRF), which fell below 10–6, indicating low cancer risk. However, children had a higher cancer risk (10−4 to 10−6) for As. The pollution indices revealed varying pollution levels from unpolluted to moderately polluted in the studied areas. Overall, this study highlights potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure during dust storms, particularly for children, and emphasises the importance of addressing these concerns to safeguard public health.