Assessment of metal concentrations and associated health risks in indoor dust from Baling, Kedah, Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/cst.v5i2.12294Keywords:
Human exposure, Heavy metals, ICP-MS, Household dustAbstract
Household dust exposes people to a wide range of chemicals from everyday products and has been linked to respiratory symptoms. This study was conducted to determine the levels of selected metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cd, Ba, Pb, Mg, and Fe) in household dust samples from seven households in Baling, Kedah, Malaysia. Dust samples collected using vacuum cleaners were acid-digested and analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that the mean concentrations of Al, Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Ba, Pb, Mg, and Fe in the dust samples were 6930, 6.85, 116, 19.2, 553, 77.6, 914, 11.5, 1780, and 5730 mg/kg, respectively. Cd levels were below the detection limit in all samples. Statistical analysis revealed that the use of air conditioners, the age of the house, smoking, and pet ownership contributed to higher metal levels in household dust. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) was used to assess the risk of metal exposure through dust ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. The HQ and Hazard Index (HI) values for both adults and children were found to be less than one, indicating a low risk of exposure to these metals.
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