Human health risk assessment of arsenic and trace metals in atmospheric dust of Arak industrial area, Iran

In order to investigate concentrations, variability, sources, and human health risk of trace elements, 38 atmospheric dust samples were collected around Arak industrial area. The average concentrations Cd~Zn, As, Pb 3.3, 2.5, 2.4 times higher than the corresponding geochemical background, respectively, while Co, Cu, Ni, Hg lower. Based on geo-accumulation index (Igeo), elements classified between practically uncontaminated moderate contaminated levels. potential (RI) map showed that about 86% study area for all was in class. According results positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, four factors extracted including natural mining, transportation, contributed 30, 27, 26, 17% pollution area, respectively. carcinogenic risks inhalation exposure Cd, Co lower permissible limit EPA recommend (10−6), indicating an acceptable level risk. Results evaluation indicated non-carcinogenic (i.e., hazard quotient, HQ) children adults decrease following: As > Ni Zn Cd Cu Hg. When excluding (HI) safe (HI < 1) whereas HQ values 17.1 1.6, a children. sum, several remedial actions eliminate or reduce are urgently required Arak.