Health risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in PM2.5 in two cities in Jilin Province, China, 2016–2020

Abstract

The toxicity of particulate matter is related to its size and chemical composition. We determined 12 heavy metal(loid)s in atmospheric PM2.5 in two representative cities (Changchun and Yanji) of Jilin Province, China, over five consecutive years, 2016–2020, and assessed their inhalation risk to humans. In general, we found As and Cr to be the major carcinogens present, which pose a high carcinogenic risk (CR) to children. The CR of As was higher in Changchun (2.0 × 10−6 for children, 8.0 × 10−6 for adults) than in Yanji (1.3 × 10−6 for children, 5.0 × 10−6 for adults), while the CR of Cr was higher in Yanji (3.5 × 10−6 for children, 1.2 × 10−5 for adults) than in Changchun (2.7 × 10−6 for children, 9.1 × 10−6 for adults). Point estimates of non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metal(loid)s were low (hazard index <1). The results of this study suggest that risk managers should consider not only controlling PM2.5 concentrations when developing policies to reduce health risks, but should also pay attention to the heavy metal(loid)s present in PM2.5. Regional control strategies should include stringent regulatory measures for specific chemical components that present high health risks.