Comprehensive Comparison of Trace Metal Concentrations in Inhaled Air Samples

Because metals cannot be degraded or destroyed, the assessment of the health risks of metals via ambient air and dietary intake is an issue of special interest. Trace metals in air phase can be classified as metals or metalloids including the semi-metallic elements: boron, arsenic, selenium, and tellurium. Both natural and anthropogenic processes and sources emit metals and their compounds into the air. Anthropogenics; the processing of minerals, incineration of metallic objects, motor vehicle combustion of fuel containing metal additives, and the wearing out of motor vehicle tyres and brake pads result in the emission of metals associated with particulate matter. Metals occur naturally in soil and in rocks rich with minerals; thus weathering of the rocks, mining activities or even wind-blown dust can release these metals into air as particulate matter. Trace metals are part of a large group of air pollutants called air toxics, which upon inhalation or ingestion can be responsible for a range of health effects such as cancer, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, teratogenesis and genotoxicity (1-4).