Chemical partitioning of fine particle-bound As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, Pb and assessment of associated cancer risk due to inhalation, ingestion and dermal exposure

. Cr, Ni and Pb were the most abundant metals. The results showed that Pb and Cr were higher in the mobile fraction. Cd and Co had high bioavailability. Ingestion is the major exposure pathway for all heavy metals except Cr to infants, children and adults followed by inhalation and dermal contact. The cumulative risk for Cr(VI) due to dermal and inhalation routes exceed the maximum acceptable limit for children of age 1-7 years, 8-15 years and adults when total concentration is considered, but the estimated risks are within the acceptable limit when the bioavailable, water soluble and mobile fraction are taken into account. Hence the study shows that children and adults living in the vicinity of this site are more susceptible, hence more attention should be paid to protect them from pollution hazards. The study indicates the importance of metal speciation in assessing associated human health risks.