Health risk analysis of heavy metal exposure bonded in PM2.5 at industrial area in Bandung Regency

Abstract

Heavy metal contents in PM2.5 particulate dust poses potential risk to the health of human beings. This study aims to measure PM2.5 dust concentrations and characterize heavy metals bound in PM2.5 to estimate health risks in both children and adult groups. PM2.5 dust was measured in Bandung Regency in industrial land uses, located in the Dayeuhkolot sub-district. Measurement of PM2.5 concentrations using a Low Volume Air Sampler (LVAS) with PTFE filters. Sample was collected for 7 days x 24 hours. Heavy metals in PM2.5 dust were characterized using ED-XRF. Calculation of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks was only performed on metals classified as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). The average concentration of PM2.5 during the measurement period was 59,10±9,10 μg/m3, exceeding the daily ambient air quality standard based on PP No.22 of 2021 which is> 55μg/m3. The risk of non-carcinogenicity is expressed in Health Index (HI) values. The heavy metals considered in determining non-carcinogenic risk are As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, Fe, Zn, Si, and Sb as well as the crustal elements Si and Fe. Non-carcinogenic risk associated with exposure to heavy metals in PM2.5 showed HI<1 for both children and adults. This indicates that the exposure to heavy metals in PM2.5 around the Dayeuhkolot industrial area is at an acceptable risk level. HI value for heavy metal exposure for children was 0.34±0.17 and 0.42±0.28 for adults. In estimating the carcinogenic risk value, elements taken into account include As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb. Carcinogenic risk in both children and adults showed ECR>10-6 of 4.5×10-5 and 2.1×10-4, respectively. This indicates that there is an unsafe health risk that can potentially cause carcinogenic effects in the population around the Dayeuhkolot industrial area The results of this study can be used as a reference database for establishing policies related to air quality in Bandung Regency.