Health Risks Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

The Human Health Risk of Heavy Metals Through Oral, Respiratory, and Dermal Exposure: A Case Study in a High Polluted, Abandoned Factory, in Southwest China

The Human Health Risk of Heavy Metals Through Oral, Respiratory, and Dermal Exposure: A Case Study in a High Polluted, Abandoned Factory, in Southwest China

Characteristics, Source Apportionment, and Health Risk of Heavy Metals in the Soils of Peri-urban Shanghai Chongming Island.

Heavy metals resulting from human activities pose significant threats to human health and the soil ecosystem. In the current study, 917 soil samples from Chongming Island in Shanghai, China, were examined for eight heavy metals. The sources of contamination were identified by using a Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model. Meanwhile, spatial interpolation and Moran's I index were applied to validate the model in terms of spatial linkages. The results revealed that the average concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni in the soil were 8.87, 0.19, 0.06, 28.75, 76.01, 37.74, 88.93, and 30.33 mg kg-1, respectively. The PMF analysis proved that heavy metals in the soil of the study area are mainly influenced by traffic sources (Cr and Pb), industrial sources (Zn, Cd, and Cu), station sources (Hg), and natural sources (As and Ni), with contribution rates of 22.23, 26.25, 36.38, and 15.14%, respectively. The combination of Moran's index and the spatial analysis method not only verified the analytical results of the receptor model on the one hand but also served as a supplementary explanation for the sources of heavy metals in the soil. The health risk assessment indicated that noncarcinogenic values were below the threshold values. The total carcinogenic risk (R T) of different heavy metals has a descending order of Cr > As > Ni > Cd. The R T values of multiple heavy metals for children and adults were 5.28 × 10-04 and 4.10 × 10-05, respectively, which were close to the risk threshold. Therefore, attention should be paid to the health risks, especially for children's skin contact, which is the main exposure pathway.

Transport, pollution, and health risk of heavy metals in “soil-medicinal and edible plant-human” system: A case study of farmland around the Beiya mining area in Yunnan, China

Heavy metals (HMs) pose a significant threat to soil quality, plant growth, and human health. However, the impacts (transport, pollution, and health risk) of HMs in medicinal and edible plants with rich value growing in high background soil for a long time remain unclear. So the effects of HMs on the “soil-medicinal and edible plant-human” system were comprehensively studied. Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT) and growing soil were collected from the farmland around Beiya mining area located in Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, China. The transport, pollution, and health risks of HMs in the system were investigated by determining the content of active ingredients, HMs, and physicochemical properties in HCT and soil. The results of comprehensive analysis using various measurement and analysis methods showed that Zn, Cu, Mn, and Co in soil could affect the contents of available nutrients (available P (AP), available K (AK), and organic matter (OM)), while AP, OM, pH, Co, and Fe in soil were closely related to the formation of HCT quality. Cr and Fe had the strongest transport capacity in stems and leaves of HCT, respectively. Furthermore, it is worth noting that Cr, Pb, and Cu had caused serious pollution to HCT in the area. Pb and Cu are tolerable levels for human health and may pose a carcinogenic risk. Our study demonstrates that HCT is expected to be a marker of heavy metal pollution in the area and provides a scientific basis for making effective regulations on HMs control and scientific planting.

Evaluation of Selected Minerals and Health Risk and Proximate Analysis of Wasawasa (A Street Food)

This study was carried out to determine the proximate composition and the potential heavy metal health risk that may be associated with the consumption of wasawasa, a dish made from locally milled yam peels, by examining the presence of six metals (iron, nickel, chromium, sodium, and magnesium and potassium) in samples procured. Sixteen (16) samples of ready-to-eat wasawasa were collected from Aboabo, Manhyia, Sawaba, Asawase, Adenyase, and Ayigya in Kumasi, since these are the communities where wasawasa is mainly produced, sold, and consumed. The samples were digested with a nitric, perchloric, and sulfuric acid mixture and analyzed using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer (Agilent 4210 MP-AES). The average concentrations of metals were Na (8506.88mg/kg), Mg (222.63mg/kg), Fe (84.45mg/kg), Cr (2.31mg/kg), K (1702.08mg/kg, and Ni (1.12mg/kg). Proximate analysis was used to determine Protein, fat, ash, moisture, and fiber content of the local wasawasa, which were found to be 15.667%, 0.45%, 1.00%, 27.54%, and 0.41%, respectively. The hazard index of the heavy metals (Fe, Ni and Cr) for both adults and children were each greater than one, indicating the population is likely to experience non-carcinogenic effects from the consumption of wasawasa.

Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Drinking Water Sources of Water-Carrying Lakes Affected by Retreating Polder: A Case Study of Luoma Lake

Heavy metal pollution is a critical issue affecting the safety of drinking water sources. However, the impact of human activities on heavy metal risk levels in water-carrying lakes remains unclear. This study aims to explore the risk mechanisms of heavy metals in Luoma Lake, an important water-carrying lake for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. We explored the spatial and temporal differences in the distribution of heavy metals in Lake Luoma using methods such as the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and assessed the risk variations using a health assessment model. The results indicated that heavy metal concentrations in water-carrying lakes generally decreased during the dry season, with Mn and Zn levels decreasing by 89.3% and 56.2%, respectively. The comprehensive score of HPI decreased by 13.16% following the retreating polder compared to the control area (Non-retreating polder area). Furthermore, the HPI at the drinking water intake was lower, which is closely associated with the elevated dissolved oxygen (DO) and oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) resulting from water diversion. The annual average health risk across the entire lake was not significant, with higher levels observed in the control area. The annual non-carcinogenic risk levels of Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb range from 10−13 to 10−9, which are considered negligible risk levels. Notably, the carcinogenic risk posed by arsenic (As) through the drinking pathway reached 10−5 a−1, exceeding the maximum levels recommended by certain organizations. These findings provide a critical foundation for managing heavy metals in water-carrying drinking water sources.

Sources and health risks of heavy metals in kindergarten dust: The role of particle size

Particle size effects significantly impact the concentration and toxicity of heavy metals (HMs) in dust. Nevertheless, the differences in concentrations, sources, and risks of HMs in dust with different particle sizes are unclear. Therefore, guided by the definition of atmospheric particulate matter, dust samples with particle sizes under 1000 μm (DT1000), 100 μm (DT100), and 63 μm (DT63) from Beijing kindergartens were collected. The concentrations of HMs (e.g., Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Ba, Cu, V, Mn, Co, and Ti) in dust samples with different particle sizes were measured. Besides, the differences in HM concentrations, contamination levels, sources, and source-oriented health risks in dust samples of different particle sizes were systematically explored. The results show that the concentrations of Mn, V, Zn, and Cd gradually increase with decreasing dust particle sizes, the concentrations of Ba and Pb show a decreasing trend, and the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Co display an increasing and then decreasing trend. The degree of contamination of HMs in dust of different particle sizes varies, with Cd being the most dominant contaminant. Compared with DT1000 and DT63, DT100 is the most polluted. In addition, the sources of HMs in DT1000, DT100, and DT63 become more single with decreasing particle size, which may be mainly due to the particle-size effect inducing the redistribution of HMs in different sources. Notably, the potential health risk is higher in DT100 than in DT1000 and DT63. The highest contribution of industrial sources to the health risk is found in DT100, which is mainly caused by highly toxic chromium (Cr). This work emphasizes the importance of considering particle size in risk assessment and pollution control, which can provide a theoretical basis for precise management of HMs pollution in dust.

Development of an integrated framework for dissecting source-oriented ecological and health risks of heavy metals in soils

Heavy metals (HMs) in soils pose significant risks on ecosystem and human health. To design targeted regulatory measures for mitigating and controlling the risk, it is necessary to accurately identify the pollution sources and environmental risks of soil HMs, as well as to reveal the linkages between them. To date, yet systematic investigation aimed at deciphering the links between source apportionment of soil HMs and their associated environmental risks is still lacking. To fill the gap, an integrated framework has been developed in this study and applied for dissecting the source-sink relationship and source-oriented ecological and health risks of soil HMs in Shanxi, a province with rich coal resource, in which long-term coal mining activities in history has resulted in soil HMs pollution and unavoidably posed environmental risks. Two advanced receptor models, multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares based on maximum likelihood principal component analysis (MCR-ALS/MLPCA) and multilinear engine 2 (ME2), have been employed for apportioning the potential sources, and their apportionment results are jointly incorporated into a modified ecological risk index and a probabilistic health risk assessment model for identifying the source-oriented ecological and health risks posed by soil metals. The results show that the soils in study area have been polluted by HMs (i.e., Cd, Cr, Hg and As) to varying degrees. Industrial activities (35%–35.8%), agricultural activities (11.1%–20.5%), atmospheric deposition (10.5%–13%) and mix source (31.5%–42.6%) are apportioned as the main contributors of soil HMs in the area. The source-oriented ecological risk assessment suggests Hg has presented significant ecological risk and largely contributed by the sources from atmospheric deposition and industrial activities. The source-oriented health risk assessment shows the non-carcinogenic hazard level and carcinogenic risk posed by soil HMs in the study area are acceptable. Relatively, industrial activities and mix source have contributed more on the health risks.

Exposure Levels, Health Risks, Spatially Distribution, Multivariate Statistics and Positive Matrix Factorization Model of Heavy Metals from Wild solid Waste Dumpsites

Exposure Levels, Health Risks, Spatially Distribution, Multivariate Statistics and Positive Matrix Factorization Model of Heavy Metals from Wild solid Waste Dumpsites

Spatiotemporal characteristics and Monte Carlo simulation-based human health risk of heavy metals in soils from a typical coal-mining city in eastern China

Spatiotemporal characteristics and Monte Carlo simulation-based human health risk of heavy metals in soils from a typical coal-mining city in eastern China

Improper toy waste handling can harm human health via seafood consumption: A comprehensive health risk assessment of heavy metals

Toy production has been increasing over the last few decades to meet the growing demands for toys across the globe, which has inevitably worsened the problem of toy waste. Given the lack of modern waste disposal facilities, rural villagers in many developing countries often discard and incinerate toy waste in backyards or riverbanks, which may release the pollutants from toys (e.g., heavy metals), contaminate the surrounding areas, and eventually threaten the health of residents. As such, this study examined the impact of improper toy waste handling on the nearby aquaculture site by measuring the contamination level of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the sediment and seafood (crabs, shrimps, and fish). The health risk of heavy metals via seafood consumption was assessed in different groups of people (males, females, teenagers, and seniors). Results showed that the sediment and seafood at the aquaculture site were generally not contaminated with heavy metals (contamination factor and bioaccumulation factor <1). However, consuming the seafood cultured at this site, especially for crabs, could pose a health risk to humans due to As and Cd (hazard quotient > 1), irrespective of their age and gender. This risk could not be lowered by cooking, except As by boiling. Overall, we revealed that improper toy waste handling did not cause severe heavy metal pollution in the surrounding environment, but the consumption of contaminated seafood could still threaten human health. To safeguard public health, we propose that toy waste should be appropriately treated by the authorities concerned. In addition, consuming seafood with long culture periods (e.g., crabs) should be reduced to minimize the dietary intake of heavy metals and their associated health risk.

Source Apportionment and Response to Landscape Pattern of Health Risk of Cultivated Soil Heavy Metals

Heavy metal pollution mainly caused by human activities is becoming increasingly prominent and threatening human health and ecosystem safety in soil, which is a non-renewable natural resource that humans rely on for survival and development. Assessment and analysis of soil heavy metal health risk is significant for protecting human health, preventing soil pollution, and maintaining ecosystem security. Based on the investigation of heavy metals, including Cr, Pb, Cd, As, and Hg, in cultivated soil in Liuhe District, the health risk assessment model was used to identify the health risk characteristics of heavy metals, and the spatial distribution, main sources, and responses to landscape patterns were explored by using inverse distance weight interpolation, positive definite matrix factorization, landscape pattern index, and redundancy analysis. The results showed that the coefficients of variation corresponding to Cr, Pb, Cd, As, and Hg in the study area were 0.19, 0.36, 0.23, 0.52, and 1.16, respectively, all of which belonged to moderate or high variability, indicating that they had high spatial heterogeneity and were susceptible to human factors. Cr, Pb, and As were the main health risk characteristic factors in the study area, with the carcinogenic risks to children ranging from 13.307×10-6 to 38.400×10-6, 0.839×10-6 to 3.250×10-6, and 4.548×10-6 to 16.680×10-6, respectively, which were higher than those in adults. Agricultural production activities, industrial production, and transportation activities were the main sources of heavy metals, with carcinogenic risks to children of 17.946×10-6 and 12.941×10-6, respectively. Furthermore, high-risk areas caused by agricultural production activities were mainly concentrated in the northern area of Liuhe District and showed an increasing trend from south to north and from the center to the periphery. The surrounding areas caused by industrial production activities and transportation were mainly concentrated in the chemical industry park and economic development zone of Liuhe District and showed a spatial agglomeration feature of decreasing from south to north and from the core to the periphery. The cumulative explanatory value of the landscape pattern index for the comprehensive carcinogenic risk to children was 0.463, and patch density, patch proportion in landscape area, patch aggregation degree, and maximum patch index had significant effects on the comprehensive carcinogenic risk in children, and the corresponding explanatory values were 0.422, 0.274, 0.351, and 0.232, respectively. This study had important theoretical and practical significance for expanding the perspective of environmental health research, promoting the transformation of soil heavy metal management methods and safeguarding regional population health.

Health Risk Assessment of Road-Dust-Bound Heavy Metals via Ingestion Exposure from One Typical Inland City of Northern China: Incorporation of Sources and Bioaccessibility

Heavy metals in road dust pose potential health risks to humans, while oral bioaccessibility and sources are all important factors influencing this health risk. However, few prior studies have combined them for health risk analysis. In this study, road dust samples were collected from different geographical locations of Jinan (west area, WA; central area, CA; and east area, EA) to analyze the source-specific and bioaccessibility-based health risks of heavy metals. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the three areas were CA &gt; EA &gt; WA, with Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn exceeding their corresponding background values. A source analysis using a Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model showed that traffic emissions were the main source of heavy metals in the WA and CA, while industrial activities were the main source in the EA. The mean bioaccessibility of heavy metals extracted using the Solubility Bioaccessibility Research Consortium (SBRC) method followed the order of Cd (75.5%) &gt; Zn (42.2%) &gt; Mn (42.1%) &gt; Pb (42.0%) &gt; Cu (32.9%) &gt; As (23.6%) &gt; Ni (20.1%) &gt; V (16.8%) &gt; Cr (13.3%). According to the combined source analysis, traffic was the primary risk factor in the WA (54.5 and 58.3% of NCR and CR, respectively) and CA (61.8 and 51.2%), with solid waste being the main risk factor in the EA (41.9 and 51.3%). In oral bioaccessibility testing, lower non-carcinogenic (&lt;1.0) and carcinogenic risks (&lt;1 × 10−6) of heavy metals were observed than those based on the total metal content. More importantly, As (43.4%) was replaced by V (29.7%) as the main contributor to NCR. Source-specific and bioaccessibility-based health risk assessments can accurately identify priority pollutants and heavy metals in urban road dust that need to be controlled. This provides more effective and accurate urban environmental risk management recommendations for sustainable urban development and population health.

Heavy metal contamination and human health risk assessment in the soils grown field crops in Antalya, Türkiye

ABSTRACT Soil pollution results from heavy metals has become a severe environmental concern. Heavy metals pose a risk to human health by entering the food chain. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations, sources and potential ecological and human health risks of heavy metals in soils which grown field crops in Antalya, Turkey. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0–30 cm from 292 fields and concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were determined. The mean concentrations of total Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Co, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were 4.73, 68.67, 152.74, 98.52, 24.77, 28098, 823, 42.72 and 62.85 mg kg−1, respectively. These results showed that the average concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Co, Cu and Mn exceeded the Upper continental crust average. Enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (I geo) and contamination factor (CF) values of soils indicate serious enrichment for Cd. Principal component analyses (PCA) indicated that Co, Cr and Ni was lithogenic origins, but Fe and Pb concentrations were determined by lithological and anthropogenic sources. Hazard index (HI) values of heavy metals were < 1, suggesting that non-carcinogenic health risks to adult residents. In addition, the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values except for Cr, suggesting that carcinogenic risks for residents were not expected. The results showed that children were more sensitive to the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects of heavy metals.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of heavy metals in windborne sediments from a residential area (Case study: Tabas, Iran)

Dust particles are considered as a very important way of soil contamination by heavy metals. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals and their health risk in windborne sediments. For this purpose, sediment traps were installed in five dominant wind directions including north, northeast, northwest, west, and southwest, and center of Tabas city (Iran) to collect the suspended sediments in the air. Sediment sampling was conducted monthly from January to December 2021. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured using atomic adsorption method followed by extraction by aqua regia, and the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of heavy metals for children and adults were evaluated during different months of the year. According to the results, the maximum and minimum amounts of windborne sediments found in northwest (85.66 gm−2) and west (29.3 gm−2), respectively. Monthly variations in windborne sediments discharge also revealed that the maximum amounts of windborne sediments occurred in September and November 2021 from northeast (125 and 117 mgkg−1, respectively). The maximum concentrations of cadmium (0.82 mg/kg) were found in the west of Tabas, while those of lead (192.72 mg/kg), and nickel (227.34 mg/kg) were obtained in the city center. In addition, the highest carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks belonged to nickel and the lowest risks were obtained for lead. Also, the carcinogenic risk of cadmium was higher than lead but lower than nickel. In general, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of the studied heavy metals were low (less than 1).

Environmental assessment of toxic heavy metals in bottom sediments of the Sharm Obhur, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The concentrations, spatial distributions, pollution level, and health risks of heavy metals in sediments of the Sharm Obhur, Northern Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were evaluated. Average concentrations were found to be: Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > As>Pb with the highest concentrations found near the head of the sharm, and decreasing towards the mouth. Environmental indices, together with the statistical analyses, showed that the sharm experiences a low to moderate degree of pollution. Sampling sites with heavy metal contamination are concentrated near the head and the southern coast of the sharm, where intensive human activities associated with a boat dock, construction, and recreation are common. The mean carcinogenic risk (CR) values of As, Cr and Ni are at permissible level suggesting unlikely adverse impacts of heavy metals on human health. Despite acceptable CR values; however, serious non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health threats from metals may yet be an issue particularly for sensitive populations such as children.

Assessment of the migration characteristics and source-oriented health risks of heavy metals in the soil and groundwater of a legacy contaminated by the chlor-alkali industry in central China.

The chlor-alkali industry (CAI) is crucial for global chemical production; however, its operation has led to widespread heavy metal (HM) contamination at numerous sites, which has not been thoroughly investigated. This study analysed 122 soil and groundwater samples from a typical CAI site in Kaifeng, China. Our aim was to assess the ecological and health risks, identify the sources, and examine the migration characteristics of HMs at this site using Monte Carlo simulation, absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR), and the potential environmental risk index (Ei). Our findings revealed that the exceedance rates for Cd, Pb, Hg, and Ni were 71.96%, 45.79%, 49.59%, and 65.42%, respectively. Mercury (Hg) displayed the greatest coefficient of variation across all the soil layers, indicating a significant anthropogenic influence. Cd and Hg were identified as having high and extremely high potential environmental risk levels, respectively. The spatial distributions of the improved Nemerow index (INI), total ecological risk (Ri), and HM content varied considerably, with the most contaminated areas typically associated with the storage of raw and auxiliary materials. Surface aggregation and significant vertical transport were noted for HMs; As and Ni showed substantial accumulation in subsoil layers, severely contaminating the groundwater. Self-organizing maps categorized the samples into two different groups, showing strong positive correlations between Cd, Pb, and Hg. The APCS-MLR model suggested that industrial emissions were the main contributors, accounting for 60.3% of the total HM input. Elevated hazard quotient values for Hg posed significant noncarcinogenic risks, whereas acceptable levels of carcinogenic risk were observed for both adults (96.60%) and children (97.83%). This study significantly enhances historical CAI pollution data and offers valuable insights into ongoing environmental and health challenges.

Ecological and human health risk associated with heavy metals (HMs) contaminant sourced from petroleum refinery oily sludge

The environmental and human health risk of heavy metals (HMs) in petroleum based oily sludge (OS) varies depending upon the source of origin of the crude oil and treatment processes practiced at the refineries. Consequently, the present study explores the potential risk associated with HMs of OS obtained from different refinery sites to the environment and human health. The results showed that HMs (Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn) present in OS surpasses the permissible limit of WHO guidelines except for Cr. Additionally, the Igeo value (grade 3–6), Ef (2.48–121.4), PLI (5.12–22.65), Cd (32.48–204.76) and PERI (grade 1–5) confirmed the high level of HMs contamination into the OS and its risk to the environment. Besides, the hazard index (HI) and the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for HMs show substantial risk to both adult and children health. Likewise, the G-mean enzyme index and potential soil enzyme risk index (PSERI) of the OS showed a high risk to soil biological properties. Furthermore, statistical analysis confirmed the heterogeneity in properties of the OS and its potential impact on the soil ecosystem arising from different sites. Finally, the study unveils a novel perspective on the environmental and human health consequences associated with the OS.

Spatial distribution and health risks assessment of heavy metals in e-waste dumping sites from Pakistan.

The present study focused on to determine the concentration and health risk of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, Cr) in e-waste contaminated soils collected from different provinces of Pakistan. Further, the impact of heavy metals on soil enzyme activities and microbial community was also investigated. The concentration (mg/kg) of Hg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Cr ranged between 0-0.258, 2.284-6.587, 3.005-40.72, 8.67-36.88, 12.05-35.03, 1.03-2.43, and33.13-60.05, respectively. The results revealed that Lahore site of Punjab province indicated more concentration of heavy metals as compared to other sites. The level of Cr at all sites whereas Hg at only two sites exceeds the World Health Organization standards (WHO) for soil. Soil enzyme activity exhibited dynamic trend among the sites. Maximum enzyme activity was observed for urease followed by phosphatase and catalase. Contamination factor (Cf), Pollution load index (PLI), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) results showed that all the sites are highly contaminated with Cu, Cd, and Pb. Hazard index (HI) was less than 1 for children and adults suggesting non-carcinogenic health risk. Principle component analysis results depicted relation among Cr, Fr, catalase, and actinomycetes; Cd, OM, urease, and bacteria, and Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg, and phosphatase, suggesting soil enzymes and microbial community profiles were influenced by e-waste pollution. Therefore, there is a dire need to introduce sustainable e-waste recycling techniques as well as to make stringent e-waste management policies to reduce further environmental contamination.

Assessment of Concentration and Potential Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Vegetable Samples Cultivated in Toro Mining Site, Bauchi State Nigeria

Assessment of Concentration and Potential Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Vegetable Samples Cultivated in Toro Mining Site, Bauchi State Nigeria

Sources, bioaccessibility and health risk of heavy metal(loid)s in the particulate matter of urban areas

Exposure to heavy metal(loid)s in airborne particulate matter (PM) could lead to various adverse health effects. The study investigated the total contents and the bioaccessibility of PM-bound heavy metal(loid)s (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb), identified their potential sources, and evaluated the associated health risk via inhalation in eight typical cities in China (Nanjing, Mianyang, Huangshi, Nanchang, Kunming, Xiamen, Guangzhou, and Wuzhishan). The results showed that PM-bound Cr (VI) and As of all eight cities exceeded the limits of World Health Organization. The bioaccessibility of PM-bound heavy metal(loid)s exhibited large variations, with their means following the order of Cd > Mn > Co > Ni > Cu > Cr > As > Zn > Pb. Traffic and industrial emissions were identified as primary sources in most urban areas. The emission sources have important effects on the bioaccessibility of PM-bound heavy metal(loid)s. In particular, atmospheric Cu has its bioaccessibility significantly correlated with the contributions from traffic emissions. The bioaccessibility-based health risk assessment obtained different results from those using total contents, showing that the non-carcinogenic risks posed by most metal(loid)s were acceptable except for As in Huangshi and Nanchang. These findings highlight the source dependence of bioaccessibility of heavy metal(loid)s in airborne PM, facilitate the identification of priority pollution sources and enhance effective risk-oriented source regulatory strategies in urban areas.