Heavy Metals Contamination within Street Dusts

 

Public Health Risks

 

 

 

 

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Health risks from Street Dust are present when the dusts have a potential to enter the human body. Common transport mechanisms include investigation (most by young children) and inhalation.

 

Inhalation of Street Dusts becomes a concern when the dust is at a particle size that can travel deep into human organs. Dusts of this size fraction are known as Particulate Matter.

·        HM contaminated dust can be classified as Particulate Matter when it is 10 microns or smaller.

·        At this diameter, the particle will essentially remain suspended in the atmosphere until removed by precipitation.

·        These tiny suspended particles are what cause a public health concern.

Distinction between PM2.5 and PM10

·        PM2.5- Defined as “Fine Particles”

·        PM10- Defined as “Course Particles”, particles <2.5 microns but >10 microns.

·        Particulates within these size ranges can cause respiratory problems and damage lung tissue.  

 

 

OSHA Standards for Airborne Dust

·        Inert or Nuisance Dust

1.     Total Dust- 15 mg/m3

2.     Respirable Fraction- 5 mg/m3

·        Other Particulate Matter Regulated;

1.     Chromium VI- 5 µg/m3

2.     Cadmium- Regulated by Industry and Industrial Processes