HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL EXPOSURE IN RESPIRABLE DUST AMONG GARBAGE COLLECTORS IN UBON RATCHATHANI UNIVERSITY

Abstract

          Garbage collectors were exposed to various pollutants such as respirable dust and heavy metals in the dust generated during the waste collection processes. This research studied the concentration of heavy metals in this found respirable dust by collecting samples during the collectors' work. The heavy metals analyzed included As, Pb, Cd, Hg, and Cr by ICP-OES to evaluate the health risks for the collectors in terms of hazard quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic risks and cancer risk for carcinogenic risk assessment following US.EPA. The study found that the average concentration of heavy metals in fine dust particles within the area of Ubon Ratchathani University while three garbage collections had a hazard index average of 3.72x10^-5, 1.36x10^-4 and 2.5x10^-4 with a combined average of 1.41x10^-3. The cancer risk average was 3.09x10^-6, 1.12x10^-5 and 9.38x10^-6 with a combined average of 7.91 x 10^-6. The average concentration of total heavy metals exceeded the standard limits set by ACGIH. The results found no significant risk of non-carcinogenic health effects (HI < 1) and the cancer risk assessment was within the acceptable risk criteria. However, long-term exposure to heavy metals can impact the health of garbage collectors. Appropriate risk control measures should be implemented; personal protective equipment should be provided to employees to reduce exposure levels.