Human health risk assessment of heavy metals bound on particulate matter

Abstract

The samples of particulate matter (PM10) were collected at five sampling sites of various character situated in the Moravian-Silesian Region (Czech Republic). Concentrations of heavy metals bound to particulate matter were determined by the method of ICP – optical emission spectroscopy. The contamination of heavy metals was expressed as the pollution load index – PLI. Human health risk assessment was performed by U.S. EPA method – using the hazard quotient – HQ, hazard index – HI, and excess lifetime cancer risk – ELCR. The pollution and resulting carcinogenic risks increase during the winter season. The potential non- -carcinogenic risks are not significant.