Non-Carcinogenic Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Through Exposure to the Household Dust (Case Study: City of Khorramabad, Iran)

Abstract

Background: Household dust is known as an important source of toxic heavy metals for all age groups particularly for children and this problem is a major concern around the world. Objectives: This study was designed to assess the non-carcinogenic risk of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) in indoor dust collected from 20 private residences in the city of Khorramabad, west of Iran, during year 2017. Methods: In this study, a total of 80 household dust specimens were collected using a brush and plastic spatula. After dust samples were naturally air-dried and sieved through a nylon mesh and then acid digested, the element contents were measured using inductively coupled plasma spectrometer. Also, the non-carcinogenic risk was calculated based on the models developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Results: The results showed that the maximum concentrations of elements in dust samples were 17.72 mg/kg for Cd, 22.55 mg/kg for Cr, 101.65 mg/kg for Pb, and 89.47 mg/kg for Ni. Also, based on the results, ingestion (oral) of dust particles was the main exposure pathway to elements. On the other hand, the non-carcinogenic risk levels of all analyzed metals were lower than the allowable limit. Conclusions: Due to adverse effects of toxic heavy metals on human health, it is recommended to pay special attention to other toxic elements of household dust that citizens have long-term exposure to.