Evaluating the health risks of heavy metal pollution in dust storms in the city of Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

ABSTRACT

This study examined the heavy metal content in dust storm samples from Erbil, Iraq, along with four other locations. Using ICP-MS, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Fe and As were determined. The health risks due to exposure to these metals through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact were assessed for both adults and children. Non-carcinogenic risks were evaluated using the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). Children faced a cumulative risk with HQ > 0.2 for As and Cr and HI > 1. The carcinogenic risk was measured using the carcinogenic risk factor (CRF), which fell below 10^–6, indicating low cancer risk. However, children had a higher cancer risk (10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁶) for As. The pollution indices revealed varying pollution levels from unpolluted to moderately polluted in the studied areas. Overall, this study highlights potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure during dust storms, particularly for children, and emphasises the importance of addressing these concerns to safeguard public health.

KEYWORDS:

• Health risk
• heavy metal
• dust storm
• pollution index
• hazard quotient

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Chemistry Department, College of Science in Salahaddin University-Erbil for their support and encouragement.

Author contribution

Dilshad Aziz Darwesh provided supervision for the project. Hazha Omar Othman and Diyar Salahuddin Ali were responsible for data collection and curation. Fuad Othman Abdullah contributed to reviewing and draft preparation. Rebwar Omar Hassan played a role in editing and revising the draft.

Data availability statement

Original contributions reflected in this work can be obtained from the article.

Declarations

None of the writers of this paper have any conflicts of interest.

Disclosure statement

We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and that there have been no significant financial supports for this work that could have influenced its outcome.

Ethical Approval

The research methodology employed in this study strictly adheres to recognized ethical principles and standards, prioritizing protecting the rights, privacy, and well-being of all individuals involved in the research.

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We confirm that we have given due consideration to the protection of intellectual property associated with this work and that there are no impediments to publication, including the timing of publication, with respect to intellectual property. In so doing, we confirm that we have followed the regulations of our institutions concerning intellectual property.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.