Urban Air Quality Nexus: PM2.5 Bound-Heavy Metals and their Alarming Implication for Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Environmental Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan

2 Faculty of Engineering and Quantity Surveying, INTI International University, Putra Nilai 71800, Malaysia

3 Department of Environmental Science, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan

4 Department of Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan

5 Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan

6 Department of Environmental Sciences, National College of Business Administration and Economics (NCBA&E), Lahore 54000 Pakistan

7 Department of Environmental Sciences, Forman Christian College A Chartered University, Lahore 54000 Pakistan

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have not only detrimental impacts on air quality but also acts as a source for a range of heavy metals that worsen the potential risks to public health. Notably, previous studies on PM2.5-bound heavy metals in Pakistan have primarily focused on individual cities. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of pollution characteristics related to PM2.5-bound heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), in ten cities of Pakistan. Data was collected from a wide range of reliable sources spanning from 2013 to 2023. Additionally, the human health risk assessment methodology endorsed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) was employed to evaluate both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for adults (males and females) and children. Findings of the present study revealed that children faced a greater risk associated with PM2.5-bound heavy metals as compared to adults. Cadmium, zinc, and nickel were found as the top three contributors to the average non-carcinogenic risk, while lead, cadmium, and nickel showed the highest carcinogenic risks. Based on these findings, this study strongly recommend that the government should strengthen the management of industrial and vehicular emissions. Furthermore, there is an imperative need to establish a real-time monitoring system capable of tracking toxic heavy metal pollutants transported through the atmosphere. Additionally, policymakers should seriously contemplate regional collaborations with the goal of creating metropolitan initiatives for pollution control, thereby effectively addressing these paramount environmental and public health concerns.

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Main Subjects

References

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Pollution
Volume 10, Issue 1
January 2024
Pages 580-594

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