School of Mechanical Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China.
School of Municipal & Environmental Engineering, Jilin Jianzhu University, Changchun, 130118, China.
Environ Geochem Health. 2023 Jul;45(7):4867-4881. doi: 10.1007/s10653-023-01543-6. Epub 2023 Mar 23.
The use of solid fuels for heating and cooking in rural Northeast China has led to severe indoor metal element pollution in particulate matter (PM), posing a direct threat to human health and creating immense pressure on the sustainability of residential environments. To investigate the levels, sources, and potential health hazards of indoor metal element pollution in this region, we conducted a year-long sampling and monitoring campaign in actual residential settings and used ICP-OES to measure six metal elements (Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni). This study's findings reveal that indoor metal element pollution levels in PM (33,513.65 mg/kg per year) are higher in rural Northeast China compared to other rural areas. Straw burning is the primary source of metal element pollution, followed by motor vehicle emissions and natural soil sources. It is crucial to note that our results indicate a total carcinogenic risk greater than 10 according to the US EPA health risk model assessment, highlighting the high risk posed to human health by indoor metal elements in rural areas. By using a seriously polluted area in Northeast China as a case study, this research provides initial insights into the characteristics and sources of indoor metal pollution in rural areas, offering a reference for future prevention and control of indoor pollution in these regions. Ultimately, this work can help improve the rural habitat and enhance the health of the rural population.
在中国东北农村，固体燃料被广泛用于取暖和炊事，这导致室内颗粒物（PM）中金属元素污染严重，直接威胁人类健康，对居住环境的可持续性构成巨大压力。为了研究该地区室内金属元素污染的水平、来源和潜在健康危害，我们在实际居住环境中进行了为期一年的采样和监测，并使用 ICP-OES 测量了六种金属元素（Mn、Cr、Zn、Cu、Pb 和 Ni）。本研究结果表明，与其他农村地区相比，中国东北农村室内 PM 中的金属元素污染水平（33513.65 毫克/公斤/年）更高。秸秆燃烧是金属元素污染的主要来源，其次是机动车排放和自然土壤来源。值得注意的是，根据美国环保署健康风险模型评估，我们的结果表明总致癌风险大于 10，这突显了农村地区室内金属元素对人类健康构成的高风险。本研究通过将中国东北一个污染严重的地区作为案例研究，初步揭示了农村地区室内金属污染的特征和来源，为未来这些地区室内污染的预防和控制提供了参考。最终，这项工作有助于改善农村人居环境，提高农村居民的健康水平。
