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Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in soils has become a critical environmental and public health
concern, particularly in regions affected by anthropogenic activities such as mining, industrialization, and poor waste management. This study evaluates the potential non- carcinogenic health risks associated with the inhalation of heavy metals in contaminated soils within Imeke , Etsako-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were
systematically collected from varying depths across the study area and analyzed for selected
heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Standard geochemical indices such as the Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index
(Igeo), and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were employed to assess the extent of metal contamination. Health risk assessment was conducted following the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA,1989;2004) guidelines, focusing on non-carcinogenic exposure pathways through inhalation. Parameters such as the Average Daily Dose (ADD), Hazard
Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) were computed for both adults and children populations to quantify potential health impacts. The results revealed varying degrees of heavy metal
enrichment, with some metals exceeding permissible limits, indicating moderate to considerable
contamination. The calculated hazard indices for certain metals exceeded the acceptable
threshold (HI > 1), suggesting potential adverse health effects, particularly among vulnerable
populations. The study underscores the significance of continuous monitoring, effective land-use planning, and implementation of remediation measures to mitigate the health implications of soil-borne heavy metals in the study area
concern, particularly in regions affected by anthropogenic activities such as mining, industrialization, and poor waste management. This study evaluates the potential non- carcinogenic health risks associated with the inhalation of heavy metals in contaminated soils within Imeke , Etsako-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were
systematically collected from varying depths across the study area and analyzed for selected
heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Standard geochemical indices such as the Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index
(Igeo), and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were employed to assess the extent of metal contamination. Health risk assessment was conducted following the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA,1989;2004) guidelines, focusing on non-carcinogenic exposure pathways through inhalation. Parameters such as the Average Daily Dose (ADD), Hazard
Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) were computed for both adults and children populations to quantify potential health impacts. The results revealed varying degrees of heavy metal
enrichment, with some metals exceeding permissible limits, indicating moderate to considerable
contamination. The calculated hazard indices for certain metals exceeded the acceptable
threshold (HI > 1), suggesting potential adverse health effects, particularly among vulnerable
populations. The study underscores the significance of continuous monitoring, effective land-use planning, and implementation of remediation measures to mitigate the health implications of soil-borne heavy metals in the study area
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