Concentration and risk assessment of toxic metals in indoor dust in selected schools in Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract The health risk of students’ exposure to some potentially toxic metals in classroom dusts Southeast, Nigeria was assessed. Dust particles were collected from classrooms public high schools and digested with aqua regia before analysis for selected by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. geoaccumulation index, contamination factor the pollution load index assessed metal concentrations dust. Hazard quotient cancer used estimate potential (mg/kg) ranges 1.57–175.38 (Cr); 0.93–463.28 (Cu); 31.94.76–6623.41 (Fe); 4.96–143.98 (Ni); 2.64–375.27 (Zn); 2.35–53.96 (Pb).The geo-accumulation values showed that all dust samples polluted Fe Cr; unpolluted other few exemptions. but one had a low status due Ni Cu. There moderate Pb at two. All Cr Fe. indicated quality deteriorated. calculated hazard ingestion most would have no significant non-carcinogenic effects on students. Dermal contact expose students adverse will be effect dermal schools. Ingestion carcinogenic Ni. Correlation sources varied. This study provided baseline data relevant bodies use monitoring controlling so as protect metals.