Health impacts and risk assessment of PM2.5 and PM10 at Suburban Site in Pathum Thani, Thailand

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals in PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ through inhalation exposure among children and adults during both the summer and wet seasons in the Pathum Thani Province, Thailand. PM2.5 and PM10 samples were collected using a Tisch TE-Wilbur sampler, and elemental concentrations were analyzed using Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE). Microsoft Excel was employed to determine the statistical values of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations, the concentrations of twelve elements, including Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ni, and Cu. The enrichment factor (EF), as well as health risk assessment indicators, including target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR), were evaluated. The results showed that EF values for Zn, Ni, and Cu ranged from 10 to 100, indicating contributions from anthropogenic sources. Cr exhibited the highest EF values, ranging from 51 to 111, suggesting significant influence from industrial activities and traffic emissions. The mean PM₁₀ concentration (86.0504 µg/m³) during the wet season exceeded the WHO and EU standards but remained below the Thailand standard and the U.S. EPA limit. In contrast, the mean PM₂.₅ concentration (77.5143 µg/m³) during the same period exceeded all referenced standards. The calculated HI values were from 0.0459 to 0.1090 for adults and 0.3285–0.7811 for children. The CR values in PM₂.₅ ranged from 5.0884 × 10⁻⁸ to 7.9544 × 10⁻⁶ for adults and from 5.9364 × 10⁻⁸ to 9.2802 × 10⁻⁶ for children. For PM₁₀, the CR values ranged from 5.1865 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.0412 × 10⁻⁵ for adults and from 6.0509 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.2148 × 10⁻⁵ for children. Although both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were within acceptable limits, higher risk values were observed in children compared to adults. Therefore, targeted and effective air pollution control policies are recommended, with a particular emphasis on protecting children’s health and strengthening evidence-based air quality management strategies.