Metal Element Detection and Carcinogenicity Risk Assessment of PM_2.5 Samples

The objective of the present study was to conduct metal element analysis and carcinogenicity risk assessment of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM_2.5 ) from Shenzhen and Taiyuan. Samples of PM_2.5 were collected in Shenzhen and Taiyuan during the yeas 2017 and 2018. Ten heavy metal elements were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Health risk was assessed using the recommended US Environmental Protection Agency model. Metal elements found in PM_2.5 samples from Shenzhen included (in decreasing order of concentration) Al, Pb, Mn, Cr, Cu, V, As, Ni, Cd, and Co. Metal elements found in Taiyuan included (in decreasing order of concentration) Al, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, As, Ni, V, Cd, and Co. There were significant differences in Pb, Mn, Al, As, and Ni levels between Shenzhen and Taiyuan (p < 0.05); but the remaining element levels did not show significant differences between the 2 cities. Risk-assessment data showed higher total risk from 5 carcinogenic metal elements in Taiyuan (3.79 × 10^-4 ) compared to Shenzhen (2.44 × 10^-4 ): Cr had the highest carcinogenicity risk (>10^-4 ), followed by As, Ni, and Cd (10^-6  ~ 10^-4 ), and Pb had the lowest risk (<10^-6 ). The results indicated that some of the metal elements in PM_2.5 samples from Shenzhen and Taiyuan pose a carcinogenicity risk; further research and measures for prevention and control should be considered. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1273-1276. © 2020 SETAC.