Urban Industrial Areas Research Articles

Citizens' Perception on Air Quality in Portugal-How Concern Motivates Awareness.

This study aimed to understand the knowledge of Portuguese citizens about air quality and the extent to which the concerns about specific environmental problems can motivate their acquaintance of information. Moreover, this study also allowed to understand which information about air quality needs further dissemination to provide the citizens with all the available tools and the correct knowledge. For this, a national online survey about air quality perception was conducted, where 1131 answers were obtained and two different populations were compared: the general population and a sub-population from an urban-industrial area of Lisbon metropolitan area that had experienced frequent air pollution events in the past. Air pollution was considered the environmental topic of higher concern among this sub-population (61.4%), while in the general population it ranked thirdly (27.4%). Generally, the sub-population showed higher knowledge about air quality than the general population, with 61% being able to identify at least one air pollutant. The perception of the local air quality was also very different between populations, with 61% of the sub-population considering it poor or very poor, while only 14% of the general population had the same perception, which highlights the different levels of concern between populations. A weak knowledge about air pollutants (50% of the general population could not identify any air pollutant) and an erroneous perception of the contribution of the different pollution sources to air quality levels were found. More than 50% of the respondents of both populations were considered to not have enough information regarding the air quality in their area of residence, with the national air quality database being unknown to almost everyone. Overall, strong efforts should be made to increase the awareness about the importance of air quality, which may promote a higher acceptance of the implementation of future actions to improve air quality.

METHODS OF ADAPTATION OF INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURE TO MODERN URBAN PLANNING CONDITIONS

The article explores the principles of renovation of industrial areas in the existing urban environment. The classification of elements of industrial territories by size, type is considered. A study of methods of aesthetic renovation of industrial areas is carried out. The basic principles of functional adaptation of objects of industrial architecture in urban space, taking into account urban planning conditions, are revealed. Industrial facilities in Ukraine over the past 50-70 years were built during the period of mass construction in conditions of cost savings, which sometimes led to the simplification of compositional solutions, monotony and vagueness of the architecture of production and auxiliary buildings of enterprises. Most of them were designed on the outskirts of the city, but with the growth of urban areas were surrounded by residential development. A certain order of spatial construction of territorial elements in the process of formation of production territories has been revealed. The smallest element of the production territory is the site of an industrial enterprise, the next largest structural element is an industrial node, that is, a group of enterprises located according to a single architectural and planning plan. Several mutually connected industrial hubs form an urban industrial area, which is connected to the city by a system of highways. Renovation of industrial buildings and structures in the image of the urban environment is proposed to be carried out taking into account the following parameters: urban planning; historical and cultural; material; natural-ecological. It is determined that the possibilities of further expansion of the urban area are reduced due to the need to preserve natural areas and limit the territorial growth of the city. The transformation of existing urban facilities can be divided into renovation with a change in the function of the territory, reconstruction, and partial reconstruction with elements of improvement. Change of functional purpose is carried out taking into account the adjacent territory and its planned development (microdistrict, district, etc., depending on the size of the industrial areas).

Novel Ecosystems in the Urban-Industrial Landscape–Interesting Aspects of Environmental Knowledge Requiring Broadening: A Review

Human activity is affecting and transforming the natural environment, changing the ecosystem mosaic and natural biogeochemical processes in urban-industrial landscapes. Among the anthropogenic ecosystems, there are many present features of Novel Ecosystems (NE), e.g., the de novo created habitats on post-mineral excavation sites. The biological nature of the functional mechanisms of Novel Ecosystems is mostly unknown. In natural and semi-natural ecosystems, biodiversity is considered as the primary element influencing ecosystem processes and functioning. The preliminary studies conducted on post-mineral excavation sites have shown that, in poor oligotrophic habitats, the species composition of the assembled vascular plants is non-analogous, distinctive, and not found in natural and semi-natural habitats. This paper aims to present the gaps between scientific identification of the biological mechanisms driving ecosystem processes and functioning (including the expanding areas of Novel Ecosystems created de novo). Among the identified gaps, the following issues should be listed. The detailed identification and understanding of the processes and biodiversity-dependent functioning of Novel Ecosystems is crucial for proper environmental management, particularly when facing the challenges of ecological constraints and of global change. The ecology of Novel Ecosystems is a social and economic issue because of the relationships with densely populated urban-industrial areas.

A study of histopathological analysis and clinico-pathological correlation of leprosy in urban industrial area

Leprosy is a chronic infectious granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, with a prevalence rate corresponded to 0.2/10000. Skin and peripheral nerves are mainly affected exhibiting spectrum of clinical and histopathological features based on the immunological status of the individual. The diagnosis is made from adequate clinical information combined with histopathology. The aim of study to asses the clinical and histopathological features and there correlation in diagnosing the cases of leprosy.A cross-sectional study of 2 years was conducted on 99 cases of skin biopsies histopathologically diagnosed with leprosy. Adequate clinical history was obtained and biopsies were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and modified Fite Faraco stain. A clinicopathological correlation was then attempted along with statistical analysis. Out of the total 99 leprosy cases, maximum cases (34.34%) belonged to third decade of life with Male to Female ratio of 1.75:1. About 58.59% of the total cases of leprosy showed decreased sensations and nerve thickening was seen in 79.80% cases. Clinically, 45.46% lesions were erythematous plaques. Borderline tuberculoid leprosy (31.68%) was the most frequently diagnosed subtype of leprosy. Evaluation of agreement and correlation between clinical and histopathological classification of leprosy showed an overall agreement of 57.57%. Correlation was more in stable poles i.e. TT tuberculoid pole (TT) and lepromatous pole (LL). Leprosy is still a prevalent disease which raises the concern about therapeutic approaches and various health programmes. It may not have a classical clinical picture always. Many factors contribute in clinicopathological discordance. Hence, diagnostic efficacy can be improved by clinic- histopathological corroboration which includes morphological examination of the skin lesion along with proper clinical history and correlation of these findings with histopathological examination findings.

Source apportionment of ambient PM10 collected at three sites in an urban-industrial area with multi-time resolution factor analyses

Chemical speciation data for PM10, collected for annual trend analyses of health-relevant species, at three receptor sites in a highly industrialized area (IJmond) in the Netherlands were used in a multi-time resolution receptor model (ME-2) to identify the PM10 sources in this area. Despite the available data not being optimized for receptor modelling, five-factor solutions were obtained for all sites based on independent PMF analysis on PM10 data from the three sites (IJM, WAZ and BEV). Four factors were common to all three sites: nitrate-sulphate (average percentage contributions to PM10: IJM: 35.3 %, WAZ: 37.7 %, and BEV: 36.3 %); sea salt (20.2 %, 23.7 %, 15.2 %); industrial (8.1 %, 11.0 %, 18.1 %) and brake wear/traffic (31.4 %, 21.2 %, 20.6 %). At WAZ, a local/site-specific factor containing most of the PAH measurements was found (6.4 %) while a crustal matter factor was resolved at IJM (7.6 %) and BEV (9.8 %). Additionally, sludge-drying was a potential source of the marker species in the industrial factor at WAZ. Bootstrapping (BS) and factor displacement (DISP) were applied to the factor profiles in this work for error estimation. In general, the factor profiles at all three sites had very small intervals from both BS and DISP methods. To our knowledge, this is the first time DISP was applied in a complex model such as the multi-time resolution model. Most of the measured metal and PAH concentrations found in the IJmond area during the 2017–2019 period had local sources, with significant contributions from several processes related to the steel industry. This study shows that available detailed PM10 chemical speciation data, although primarily collected for annual trend analyses of health-relevant species, could also be used in receptor modelling by applying a multi-time framework. We propose general recommendations for the optimization of the measurement strategy for source apportionment of PM in areas with similar urban-industrial land use.

Health Risk Assessment on Exposure to PM2.5-bound PAHs from an Urban-industrial Area in Rayong City, Thailand

BACKGROUND: A city's industrial area's air quality has become a major priority. PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the most common pollutants in urban-industrial area, and can be linked to health problems.
 AIM: This study aims to 1) investigate PM2.5 and PAHs emitted from roadside area (RS) and industrial estate (IE) in Rayong city 2) assess the inhalation of PM2.5 and PAHs on the human health of the age group.
 METHODS: PM2.5-bound PAHs were investigated and thier carcinogenic risk was evalued in this study. PM2.5 samples were collected on quartz filters contained in a mini-volume air sampler and analyzed for PAHs by GC-MS.
 RESULTS: The average PM2.5 concentrations at RS and IE were 43.3±26.8 and 40.4±21.7 µg/m3, while the values of total PAHs in both sites were 1.68±1.53 and 1.34±1.22 ng/m3, respectively. However, it was found that the PM2.5 and PAHs values were not significantly different (p>0.05). The results revealed that the individual lifetime cancer risk (Ric) of PM2.5 values for children and adults at both sites indicated acceptable cancer risk (10-6 to10-4). According to the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values of PAHs for different age groups, exposure to PAHs in PM2.5 through the inhalation pathway was a negligible (<10-6).
 CONCLUSION: As a result, the PM2.5 concentrations have substantial implications for Rayong city’s environmental management and protection, relating to car emissions and coal combustion.

Local Food Systems: Making Visible the Invisible Through Urban Agroecology

The world is going through the second wave of urbanization. Although cities still occupy a relatively small area, they are the main consumers of natural resources, energy and water. And in general, they depend for their food, on resources from outside. The economic and bioecological crisis such as the economic one, the social one, pandemics, war or clime change, have faced cities with unexpected problems but also with new perspectives. Likewise, the advance of industrial agriculture nearby urban areas generates other types of impacts. The intensive use of agrochemicals and synthetic fertilizers, especially in developing countries but also in developed countries, impacts the socio-environmental health of urbanites. Making visible the invisible and the immeasurable—through tools such as ecological economics–puts under a comprehensive umbrella, a set of ecological, social and economic aspects that urban societies had not perceived until now such as greening of cities, the recovery of ecosystem services and restoration of “brown lands” or the relevance of food self-sufficiency production. Urban agroecology plays a significant role to reach these ones and begins to be a real possibility to build local food systems and new ways of consumption and networks. This is a particular contribution in times of crises.

ADVANTAGES OF CHOOSING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS INTO HOUSING IN CONDITIONS OF RECONSTRUCTION OF CITIES AFTER THE WAR

Purpose. Analysis of the main advantages of choosing the latest methods of renovation and reconstruction of industrial buildings into residential ones in the reconstruction of Ukrainian cities after the war based on existing domestic and foreign experience. Methodology. In Ukraine, in the current context of limited financial and logistical resources, the renovation and reconstruction of existing industrial buildings in destroyed cities and resettlement cities due to Russian aggression is an appropriate solution in terms of reducing the cost of new construction and reconstruction of industrial buildings. Along with the spread of modern methods of renovation and reconstruction of well-known Ukrainian and foreign companies in Ukraine, when planning the restoration of housing stock after the war, attention should be paid to the method of reconstruction of industrial buildings in loft-style housing. Identification of specific features of loft formation as new elements of reconstruction of industrial buildings into residential ones. Results. Analysis of domestic and foreign experience in renovation and reconstruction of industrial areas. It is revealed that depending on the tasks, different functional adaptation and direction of one or another industrial building or complex in residential, as well as their subsequent adaptation to the existing city system is possible. During the reconstruction of urban industrial areas, it is appropriate to use the loft style for reconstruction as economic, the feasibility of which is confirmed by world experience. Originality. Analysis of domestic and foreign experience in the renovation and reconstruction of industrial buildings for residential. Different approaches to the process of renovation of industrial territories are revealed and the principles of transformation of the existing industrial function into a public space are substantiated. Practical value. Technical, technological and organizational solutions allow the use of industrial buildings with their technological properties, which ensure the reliability of the operation of residential buildings. Analysis of the real state of industrial zones.

“Petmol” plant renovation and social infrastructure of Saint-Petersburg

The paper investigates the renovation consequences of the industrial urban area for the residential development with commercial premises. The paper studies social services such as kindergartens, schools, polyclinics in compliance with the urban planning standards. The collected data show that loads are shifted toward the existing structure which will lead to the deterioration of the quality of the environment. According to the data of the city statistics, the plant is not an exception to the general trend in the city development. The paper is a continuation of research started in the paper ‘Quantitative assessment of renovation of “Petmol” Plant in SaintPetersburg”.

NDBSI: A normalized difference bare soil index for remote sensing to improve bare soil mapping accuracy in urban and rural areas

As a component of the Earth’s land surface, bare soil is an important indicator of urbanization and therefore plays an irreplaceable role in regional ecosystems. Given that the spectral signatures of bare soil are complicated and easily confused with impervious surfaces, few soil spectral indices have been purposed and widely used. In this study, we developed a soil index, the normalized difference bare soil index (NDBSI), by analyzing the spectral characteristics of multiple soil types. Using Landsat 8 OLI images from six urban and rural areas in China, we found that NDBSI was more effective in mapping bare soil than currently used indices (i.e. bare soil index (BI), product index for dark soil (PIDS), and biophysical composition index (BCI)), especially in distinguishing between bare soil and impervious surface. Moreover, NDBSI showed good performance in identifying bare soil from red brick, which is helpful for soil mapping in industrial urban areas, where red brick is widely used as roofing materials. Our study may be the first attempt to develop a soil index considering the spectral characteristics of various soil types and verify its effectiveness in multiple regions. More validation of NDBSI with remote sensing images with different spatial resolution will facilitate its applications, and ultimately promote more accurate soil mapping in the future.

Allocation equity of regulating ecosystem services from blue-green infrastructures: A case study of street blocks in Wuhan central city

Rapid urban expansion has aggravated the degradation of ecosystem services (ES). The ES provided by blue-green infrastructure (BGI) is a critical factor influencing the urban environmental quality, and its allocation is closely associated with the life quality and equal rights of urban residents. Here, considering the major environmental problems in the urbanization process of Wuhan, nine components of ES related to four different types of BGI were selected for study. First, we quantified and mapped the provision of ES by various types of BGI based on a quantitative table obtained by reviewing the current literature on ES. Then, we illustrated the relationship between BGI and regulating ES (illustrated the characteristic of the ES provided by BGI) from the perspective of contribution rate and efficiency, and analyzed the allocation equity of regulating ES with some sociological methods. Based on the Gini index, our results showed that the allocation of regulating ES based on population is highly inequitable (0.70), while that based on space is relatively equitable (0.15) in Wuhan at the whole city scale. The Gini index was calculated for the nine ES components, including SO2 absorption, dust retention, runoff mitigation, precipitation infiltration, cooling, humidifying, noise absorption, carbon fixation and oxygen release. The results reveal that there are slight differences among different ES components. Although the mean value of PAL (population-average allocation level; 3.08) is higher than that of SAL (spatial-average allocation level; 0.72) in Wuhan, PAL has a much higher standard deviation than SAL, indicating the existence of significant gaps in PAL of ES among different blocks. Based on the integration of PAL and SAL, the blocks with relatively sufficient SAL and PAL of regulating ES were found to be mainly located in the northeast of the city, while those with very insufficient SAL and PAL of regulating ES are highly urbanized areas. Besides, the block with very insufficient SAL of regulating ES is located in urban industrial areas close to the suburbs, while those with insufficient PAL of regulating ES are scattered in the area close to the suburbs, respectively. Then, we proposed three priority levels and a judgment model for appropriate interventions based on allocation inequity in urban blocks. Our findings provide important implications for urban planning by associating ES with resident welfare.

The bacterial community structure in epiphytic biofilm on submerged macrophyte Potamogetom crispus L. and its contribution to heavy metal accumulation in an urban industrial area in Hangzhou

Submerged macrophytes and their epiphytic biofilms are important media for metal transport/transformation in aquatic environment. However, the bacterial community structure and the contribution of the epiphytic biofilm to the heavy metal accumulation remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, water, sediment, submerged macrophyte (Potamogeton crispus L.) and its epiphytic biofilm samples in three sites of the moat in the industrial area of Hangzhou were collected for analyzing. The bacterial community structure was significantly impacted by the TN concentrations, and Genus Aeromonas (24.5–41.8%), Acinetobacter (16.2–29.8%) and Pseudomonas (12.6–23.6%) dominated in all epiphytic biofilm samples, which had the heavy metal pollutant resistibility. The contents of Cr in biofilms (7.4–8.3 mg/kg, DW) were significantly higher than those in leaves (1.0–2.4 mg/kg, DW), while the contents of Cu (11.0–13.9 mg/kg, DW) in leaves were significantly higher than those in biofilms (0.7–3.9 mg/kg, DW) in all the three sites. The BCF values of metals in the biofilm were followed the order of YF < IC < ETS. The results indicated that the epiphytic biofilm had positive effects on the metal bioaccumulation, and the metal accumulation ability increased with the hydrodynamic forces. Bioaccumulation by the epiphytic biofilm may be an effective way for metal (especially Cr) remediation.

Spatial Distribution of Air Pollution, Hotspots and Sources in an Urban-Industrial Area in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal-A Biomonitoring Approach.

This study aimed to understand the influence of industries (including steelworks, lime factories, and industry of metal waste management and treatment) on the air quality of the urban-industrial area of Seixal (Portugal), where the local population has often expressed concerns regarding the air quality. The adopted strategy was based on biomonitoring of air pollution using transplanted lichens distributed over a grid to cover the study area. Moreover, the study was conducted during the first period of national lockdown due to COVID-19, whereas local industries kept their normal working schedule. Using a set of different statistical analysis approaches (such as enrichment and contamination factors, Spearman correlations, and evaluation of spatial patterns) to the chemical content of the exposed transplanted lichens, it was possible to assess hotspots of air pollution and to identify five sources affecting the local air quality: (i) a soil source of natural origin (based on Al, Si, and Ti), (ii) a soil source of natural and anthropogenic origins (based on Fe and Mg), (iii) a source from the local industrial activity, namely steelworks (based on Co, Cr, Mn, Pb, and Zn); (iv) a source from the road traffic (based on Cr, Cu, and Zn), and (v) a source of biomass burning (based on Br and K). The impact of the industries located in the study area on the local air quality was identified (namely, the steelworks), confirming the concerns of the local population. This valuable information is essential to improve future planning and optimize the assessment of particulate matter levels by reference methods, which will allow a quantitative analysis of the issue, based on national and European legislation, and to define the quantitative contribution of pollution sources and to design target mitigation measures to improve local air quality.

Particulate Matter in an Urban–Industrial Environment: Comparing Data of Dispersion Modeling with Tree Leaves Deposition

Particulate matter represents a serious hazard to human health, and air quality models contribute to the understanding of its dispersion. This study describes particulate matter with a ≤10 μm diameter (PM10) dynamics in an urban–industrial area, through the comparison of three datasets: modeled (TAPM—The Air Pollution Model), measured concentration (environmental control stations—ECS), and leaf deposition values. Results showed a good agreement between ECS and TAPM data. A steel plant area was used as a PM10 emissions reference source, in relation to the four sampling areas, and a distance/wind-based factor was introduced (Steel Factor, SF). Through SF, the three datasets were compared. The SF was able to describe the PM10 dispersion values for ECS and leaf deposition (r2 = 0.61–0.94 for ECS; r2 = 0.45–0.70 for leaf); no relationship was found for TAPM results. Differences between measured and modeled data can be due to discrepancies in one district and explained by a lack of PM10 inventory for the steel plant emissions. The study suggests the use of TAPM as a suitable tool for PM10 modeling at the urban scale. Moreover, tree leaves are a low-cost tool to evaluate the urban environmental quality, by providing information on whether and when data from leaf deposition can be used as a proxy for air pollution concentration. Further studies to include the re-suspension of particles as a PM10 source within emission inventories are suggested.

Particulate matter-bound organic compounds: levels, mutagenicity, and health risks.

Increased industrialization and consumption of fossil fuels in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (MRSP), Brazil, have caused a growth of the particulate matter emissions to the atmosphere and an increase in population health problems. Particulate and gaseous phase samples were collected in different short campaigns (2015, 2016, and 2017) near an urban-industrial area. Organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and its derivatives (nitro and oxy-PAH), n-alkanes, hopanes, and pesticides were determined. The Salmonella/microsome test confirmed the mutagenic activity of these samples. Among PAH, benzo(a)pyrene was detected as one of the most abundant compounds. Benzo(a)pyrene equivalent concentrations for PAH and nitro-PAH, and the associated risk of lung cancer, showed values above those recommended in the literature. The profile of n-alkanes confirmed the predominance of anthropogenic sources. Pesticide concentrations and estimated risks, such as the daily inhalation exposure and hazard quotient, suggest that exposure to these compounds in this area may be dangerous to human health.

Prevalence of Thyroid Lesions in Thyroidectomy Specimens - A Histomorphological Study in Urban Industrial Area

Prevalence of Thyroid Lesions in Thyroidectomy Specimens - A Histomorphological Study in Urban Industrial Area

Quantitative assessment of renovation of “Petmol” plant in Saint-Petersburg

The standardized harmful effect of industrial production on buildings is one of the reasons for the plant withdrawal to the outskirts. The paper examines a particular case of renovation of the urban industrial area for residential commercial development. The energy consumption, environmental pollution, demographic burden, drains. and other indicators are analyzed. The calculation results show that restrained urban conditions can surpass the industrial in terms of the negative impact on the environment, and therefore renovation leads to an increase in resource consumption and deterioration of the environmental situation. Air monitoring data are used to confirm the correctness of the calculations.

MODERNIZATION OF WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS FROM SURFACE SOURCES

Surface water bodies, which are sources of drinking water supply, receive a significant amount of pollution from wastewater. This negatively affects the ecological condition of water resources and poses a threat to the health and sanitary well-being of the population. The main pollutants of surface sources are: sewage of economic-fecal and industrial sewage, which contain organic pollutants, surfactants, heavy metal ions; oil products coming from industrial sites and urban areas; effluents from livestock farms and storage ponds of production waste; washing of mineral fertilizers and pesticides from agricultural lands. Adjustment of surface springs additionally affects the deterioration of water quality in them. Therefore, existing water treatment technologies may not always provide the required degree of drinking water purification. According to monitoring studies, more than 38% of water samples taken at centralized water supply facilities did not meet regulatory requirements. This situation encourages the search for ways that would create conditions for more efficient operation of water supply systems. Modernization of existing water supply facilities and application of new water treatment technologies can help solve the problem. The article illustrates constructive schemes of shore and channel water intake and treatment facilities, the use of which makes it possible to reduce the dirt retention load on the main treatment facilities, increase the reliability of fish fry protection and improve the ecological condition of reservoirs at water intake sites. For effective removal of organic matter at water treatment plants, it is advisable to use bioreactors and contact-clarifying filters. Such solutions allow not only to increase the productivity of the water treatment plant, but also significantly reduce its construction cost, simplify the operation of facilities and reduce annual operating costs.

Testing pigeon control efficiency by different methods in urban industrial areas, Hungary

The development of cities and urban sprawl has made room for wildlife inhabiting human environments. Among birds, feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) are often present in large numbers in the cities. Problems related to pigeon occurrence result in economic loss and health issues for humans. There are different methods of controlling pigeon populations in urban areas. In this study, we compared three techniques that can be used for pigeon pest control. In two urban industrial sites in Hungary, we used trapping, falconry (in both Study Area 1 and 2) and mist-netting (only in Study Area 2) to remove pigeons. We compared the effectiveness and limitations of each method. Our results show that over 105 days in Study Area 1, we managed to remove 173 individual pigeons. We did not find a significant difference between the effectiveness of trapping or falconry. In Study Area 2, the overall number of pigeons removed was 1412 over a period of 150 days. There, we managed to catch significantly more birds by netting than by trapping or falconry, but the latter two did not differ statistically. We recommend a combination of techniques for pigeon control. Mist-netting can be the most effective way for direct pigeon removal, whereas trapping is an easier but less efficient method to catch pigeons. Falconry is the least efficient in pigeon catching and requires the most investments, but the bird of prey may chase the pigeons away for a short time.

Human health risk assessment for PAHs, phthalates, elements, PCDD/Fs, and DL-PCBs in PM2.5 and for NMVOCs in two East-Mediterranean urban sites under industrial influence

This study evaluates the carcinogenic and the non-carcinogenic health risks related to non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) and elements, dioxins, furans, dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls, phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM2.5 samples collected during a one-year field campaign in two urban industrial areas in the East Mediterranean region. The health risk was assessed for the three exposure pathways (ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact) and for different age categories (newborns, children, adolescents, and adults). The non-carcinogenic risk calculated for the different species showed that benzene and n-heptane explained 78–94% of the total hazard index (HI) for NMVOCs at both sites. The total HI for NMVOCs varied between 2.9 and 26.8 at Zouk and between 0.8 and 6.6 at Fiaa for adults and newborns respectively exceeding the recommended USEPA limit of 1 for most age categories. PM2.5-bound elements had values higher than the recommended USEPA limit for newborns with Mn, Pb, V, and Ni as the major contributors. The other species under study presented moderate risk values. The lifetime cancer risk due only to the exposure to NMVOCs was 170 and 46 times higher than the threshold limit at Zouk and Fiaa, respectively. PM2.5-bound PAHs, As, Co, Cr(VI), Ni and V concentrations showed lifetime cancer risk exceeding the threshold limit of 10−6 with 58 and 28 additional cancer cases per million habitats at Zouk and Fiaa, respectively. To our knowledge, this assessment is a first evaluating the health risk of several classes of compounds from both particulate and gas phases.