Evaluation of health risks associated with potential toxic elements (PTEs) in urban public automobile parks soil dust in Northwest, Nigeria

Additionally, the health risk assessment for PTEs shows that the elements with the highest health index are As, Pb, Cr, and Ba; the health index of these elements indicates a potential health risk; ingestion is the main pathway, and children appear to be at a higher risk than adults. According to guidelines 10-4 –10-6, the risk of cancer from potentially toxic elements in motor park dust was found to be low for both adults and children in three pathways.

Different pollution levels are reflected in the geo-accumulation index, with certain metals presenting serious ecological risks. The study also reveals different pollution patterns in automobile parks by comparing its findings with those of other studies conducted around the world. Principal component analysis (PCA) provided justification for the metal content in dust that was regulated by a combination of anthropogenic and natural sources.

The report highlights the necessity of putting remedial measures into place to address the environmental and public health problems associated with metal pollution.