Lead and cadmium composition in indoor dust

Abstract

Pb and Cd levels in different size fractions of indoor dust have been analyzed by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) after digestion with HNO 3 and HF using a microwave oven. The relationship between Pb and Cd levels with dust size have been investigated and the metal levels in different sources of indoor dust are compared. In addition, the Pb and Cd composition in different size fractions of dust have been investigated by a sequential extraction method. Dusts are dominated by particulate matter < 500 μm. Pb levels in office dust in the particulate fraction > 75 μm are clearly shown to be higher than that in domestic dust. Generally, for domestic premises, Pb and Cd levels increase with a decrease in the particle size and with an increase in house age, while for office dust, the Pb level increases with an increase of particle size. For domestic houses, most of the metals are bound to carbonate and FeMn oxides in fine dust. For office dust, the situation is more complicated, with a clear increase in Pb in the organic and residue fractions in coarse dust.