Metals compositions of indoor PM2.5, health risk assessment, and birth outcomes in Lanzhou, China

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the metal compositions in indoor PM2.5 and the potential health risks they pose to residents of an urban area in China. A total of 41 and 54 households were surveyed in February and September 2013, respectively. The results showed that the indoor concentrations of metals varied depending on the types of cooking fuels used. All measured concentrations of metals were highest among households using coal for cooking. In the majority of households, non-carcinogenic risks were posed by the use of coal. The carcinogenic risks posed by chromium (VI) and arsenic were generally higher among households using coal for cooking than among those using gas or electricity. The multivariate linear regression model suggested a potential adverse effect from arsenic and cadmium on birth weight and gestational weeks. This study also found that cooking fuel was the most significant factor that contributed to the differences in concentrations of metals in indoor PM2.5 and highlighted the importance of using clean energy for cooking and heating.

Source Apportionment and Influencing Factor Analysis of Residential Indoor PM2.5 in Beijing

“…First, there were some potential variables that have not been taken into account in this study, such as indoor cleaning activities and indoor plants, which might affect the indoor PM 2.5 according to previously published articles [ 12 , 22 , 57 , 59 , 61 ]. Second, houses that use coal and wood for cooking and heating were not included in this study, but the contribution of coal and wood burning to indoor PM 2.5 and chemical elements is very large according to previous studies [ 41 , 69 , 86 ]. All the houses in this study did not use fresh air systems and air cleaners during the sampling periods, but they have gradually become widely used in recent years, so their impact on indoor PM 2.5 should be explored in future studies.…”

“…Concentrations of indoor PM 2.5 and related chemical elements in residential house have been explored in several individual cities, such as in Kocaeli City [ 65 ], Saint Paul [ 55 ], Antwerp [ 66 ] and other cities [ 67 , 68 , 69 ], but the levels and sources of PM 2.5 pollution, meteorological conditions, human behaviors and building characteristics are not always the same in different cities. In Beijing, ambient PM 2.5 pollution has been serious in recent years, especially in autumn and winter [ 18 , 30 , 70 ].…”

Seasonal Characteristics of the Chemical Composition of Fine Particles in Residences of Nanjing, China

“…As and Cd are indicators of particulate matter from coal burning [33]. Zhang et al found that significant higher concentrations of As and Cd were in seasons where heating was used compared to seasons without heating use [26]. The concentrations of As and Cd were low in this study, indicating a lower influence of coal burning sources on PM 2.5 samples.…”

“…Due to the importance of indoor exposure, studies of indoor PM 2.5 and its effect on human health have received more and more attention in recent years. Many related studies have been performed to investigate indoor PM 2.5 in China [25,26]. The concentration of PM 2.5 and its chemical components were investigated in some studies, and differences between indoors and outdoors were observed, depending on the seasons [27,28,29], indoor activities [27,30], ventilation systems [31], cooking fuels [26], etc.…”

“…Many related studies have been performed to investigate indoor PM 2.5 in China [25,26]. The concentration of PM 2.5 and its chemical components were investigated in some studies, and differences between indoors and outdoors were observed, depending on the seasons [27,28,29], indoor activities [27,30], ventilation systems [31], cooking fuels [26], etc. However, most of the studies were conducted in a single season or during specific periods (e.g., heating seasons or heavy haze-fog episodes) [32,33,34].…”