Health risks of adults in Hong Kong related to inhalation of particle-bound heavy metal(loid)s

Abstract Heterogeneity between ambient and personal exposure to heavy metals has been documented. However, few studies have investigated potential health risks posed by inhalational airborne metal(loid)s at the individual level. A total of 404 fine particles (PM 2.5 ) samples were collected from 61 adult residents (aged 18–63 years) in Hong Kong during 2014–2015. Heavy analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Among metal(loid)s, zinc (Zn) was most abundant component PM , followed lead (Pb), copper (Cu), vanadium (V); cobalt (Co) cadmium (Cd) not detectable. Health via inhalation assessed for adults, including non-cancer that characterized hazard quotient (HQ) index (HI). The results indicated attributable Cu, with a 95 th HQ value > 1. Arsenic (As) hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] also significant contributors cancer (> 1 × 10 −6 participants. Finally, we employed Monte Carlo simulation evaluate uncertainty associated risk assessment. mean median upper-bound lifetime carcinogenic exceeded acceptable level (1 adults. Traffic emission (including non-tailpipe exhaust), shipping emission, regional pollution sources metals. These findings suggest controls targeting local vehicles vessels should be given priority Kong.