Human Health Risk of Toxic Elements (TEs) in Trapped AC Filter Dusts from Workplace Environments

Abstract

Background: Excessive toxic element (TE) level in our environment is a great concern with large amount of emerging research.

Objective: The study evaluates the level of TEs in air conditioner (AC) filter dust and the potential human health risk of exposure in work (offices) environment in the State Secretariat, Oke- Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods: Twelve (12) composite AC filter dust samples were collected from offices into sample bags, then sent to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) analysis. Exactly, 1g of the processed dust was digested using Aqua regia method while TE analysis was carried using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Geo-accumulation index and enrichment factor were employed to characterization the extent of pollution while pearson correlation was performed to determine possible source. Human health risk assessment model was computed to estimate the non-cancer and cancer risks of exposure.

Results: The level of TEs in the AC filter dust were within the permissible limit state by the UK, Canada and Dutch guideline values. Cadmium in the dust was labeled as the chief contaminant in the dust by the pollution indices. Furthermore, the relationship between the TEs shows that the TEs emerged from sources grouped in two such as mixed geogenic and anthropogenic sources (Fe, Cr and Zn) and strict anthropogenic sources (Pb and Mn; Cr and Zn) which are primarily linked to the components of the air conditioners. Human health risks assessment revealed a negligible non-cancer and cancer risk to the human group on exposure.

Conclusion: The AC filter dust is moderately polluted with Cd but showed no human health risk.