Rebwar Omar Hassan, Fuad Othman Abdullah, Diyar Salahuddin Ali, Hazha Omar Othman, Dilshad Aziz Darwesh
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study examined the heavy metal content in dust storm samples from Erbil, Iraq, along with four other locations. Using ICP-MS, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Fe and As were determined. The health risks due to exposure to these metals through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact were assessed for both adults and children. Non-carcinogenic risks were evaluated using the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). Children faced a cumulative risk with HQ > 0.2 for As and Cr and HI > 1. The carcinogenic risk was measured using the carcinogenic risk factor (CRF), which fell below 10-6, indicating low cancer risk. However, children had a higher cancer risk (10-4 to 10-6) for As. The pollution indices revealed varying pollution levels from unpolluted to moderately polluted in the studied areas. Overall, this study highlights potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure during dust storms, particularly for children, and emphasises the importance of addressing these concerns to safeguard public health.
期刊介绍:
International Journal of Environmental Health Research ( IJEHR ) is devoted to the rapid publication of research in environmental health, acting as a link between the diverse research communities and practitioners in environmental health. Published articles encompass original research papers, technical notes and review articles. IJEHR publishes articles on all aspects of the interaction between the environment and human health. This interaction can broadly be divided into three areas: the natural environment and health – health implications and monitoring of air, water and soil pollutants and pollution and health improvements and air, water and soil quality standards; the built environment and health – occupational health and safety, exposure limits, monitoring and control of pollutants in the workplace, and standards of health; and communicable diseases – disease spread, control and prevention, food hygiene and control, and health aspects of rodents and insects. IJEHR is published in association with the International Federation of Environmental Health and includes news from the Federation of international meetings, courses and environmental health issues.