Health risk assessment of lead on preschool children in a typical heavy metal polluted area

Abstract

Abstract Mining activities exert a far-reaching impact on environmental quality, and health problems caused by lead (Pb) pollution have always attracted global attention. In this study, exposure pathways through various media in Baiyin city ( a typical heavy metal polluted area) and health risks of local preschool children to Pb were investigated. Results showed that Pb concentrations of Spinach, Tomato, Cushaw, Lettuce, Broad bean, Pea, Eggplant and Radish exceeded the standards (GB 2762 − 2017), and 42.86% of soil samples exceeded screening values (GB 15618 − 2018). The non-carcinogenic risk was as high as 3.78, and oral ingestion was the main exposure pathway which accounted for 94.60% of non-carcinogenic risk. Moreover, vegetables and wheat were the major contributors in oral ingestion pathway, and the younger preschoolers were, the more susceptible they were to Pb exposure. Furthermore, the carcinogenic risk of local preschoolers was 6.02E-06, which was acceptable. Monte Carlo simulation showed that concentration of medium was the most sensitive parameter on the health risk assessment results. In conclusion, Pb pollution in this area put preschoolers at a non-carcinogenic risk from eating vegetables and wheat.