Health Risks of Potentially Toxic Metals Bound Pm2.5 Across an Urban Area

Particulate matter refers to tiny particles with a size of 2.5 µm or less. Due to their micrometric size, they easily bypass the body’s natural defence mechanisms and enter the lungs and the bloodstream. In this research, potentially toxic metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, copper, manganese, zinc, aluminium, and iron) associated with PM2.5 were determined in terms of concentration. This study aimed to assess the potential risk to human health from three exposure pathways: ingestion (i.e., daily intake of toxic metals), inhalation (i.e., exposure concentration), and dermal contact (i.e., dermal absorbed dose). Additionally, the hazard quotient for the above-mentioned pathways was calculated. On the other hand, the carcinogenic risk to human health of toxic metals due to inhalation was determined. The study also aimed to establish the individual pollution index for potentially carcinogenic metals (i.e, Pb, Cd, and Ni). Statistical analysis was used to highlight the relationships in similarity among the analyzed metals and to identify potential common emission sources.