ASSESSMENT OF CARCINOGENIC RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INHALATION EXPOSURE TO HEAVY METALS IN SOILS AROUND SAND MINE
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Abstract
The research evaluates the potential health hazards arising from the inhalation of dust contaminated with heavy metals emitted during sand mining operations in Jattu, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. Ten surface soil samples were systematically collected
from active mining sites and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn, Ni, Cr and Co using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry following aqua regia digestion. The results revealed that Fe (52.619mg/kg), Zn (25.586mg/kg), and Cu (21.978mg/kg) were the most abundant metals, while Cd (0.731mg/kg) and Co (2.39mg/kg) occurred in lower concentrations, with all measured values below (WHO, 2010) and (USEPA, 2001) permissible limits, indicating moderate contamination. Risk assessment followed (USEPA, 2011) guidelines to determine the Average Daily Dose (ADD) and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for both children and adults through the inhalation pathway. Findings showed that children experienced higher exposure levels and greater carcinogenic risk than adults due to physiological factors and activity patterns, with chromium contributing the most significant cancer risk. Although the overall ILCR values were within acceptable limits (<1 × 10⁻⁴), the cumulative risks suggest potential long-term health implications, especially for vulnerable populations near mining sites. The study concludes that while non-carcinogenic risks remain low, continuous exposure could elevate cancer risk over time. It recommends the
implementation of dust control measures, periodic monitoring of soil and air quality, stricter regulation of mining operations and further research on heavy metal speciation
and multi-pathway risk assessments to safeguard public health and promote
sustainable sand mining practices.
from active mining sites and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mn, Ni, Cr and Co using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry following aqua regia digestion. The results revealed that Fe (52.619mg/kg), Zn (25.586mg/kg), and Cu (21.978mg/kg) were the most abundant metals, while Cd (0.731mg/kg) and Co (2.39mg/kg) occurred in lower concentrations, with all measured values below (WHO, 2010) and (USEPA, 2001) permissible limits, indicating moderate contamination. Risk assessment followed (USEPA, 2011) guidelines to determine the Average Daily Dose (ADD) and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for both children and adults through the inhalation pathway. Findings showed that children experienced higher exposure levels and greater carcinogenic risk than adults due to physiological factors and activity patterns, with chromium contributing the most significant cancer risk. Although the overall ILCR values were within acceptable limits (<1 × 10⁻⁴), the cumulative risks suggest potential long-term health implications, especially for vulnerable populations near mining sites. The study concludes that while non-carcinogenic risks remain low, continuous exposure could elevate cancer risk over time. It recommends the
implementation of dust control measures, periodic monitoring of soil and air quality, stricter regulation of mining operations and further research on heavy metal speciation
and multi-pathway risk assessments to safeguard public health and promote
sustainable sand mining practices.
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