Concentrations of heavy metal content in indoor dust and potential exposure in preschool children

Authors

  • J. A. Akinpelu
    Department of Physics and Solar Energy, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
  • K. P. Ojo
    Department of Physics and Solar Energy, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
  • S. O. Salawu
    Department of Mathematics, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
  • G. O. Olutona
    Department of Chemistry, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
  • F. O. Aweda
    Department of Physics and Solar Energy, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria
  • O. O. Jegede
    Department of Physics and Solar Energy, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria

Keywords:

Heavy metal, Indoor dust, Preschool environment, Metal concentration

Abstract

Indoor dust serves as a medium for the deposition of heavy metals, and young children's rapid physical growth and hand-to-mouth behavior expose them to the impacts of heavy metals. This project aimed to measure the concentrations of heavy metals in classroom dust from the selected preschools in southwestern Nigeria. Dust samples were taken via a dust collector and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively via the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) scheme. The descriptive and inferential statistical method was employed for the data analysis, and standard calibration, recovery analysis, and blank determination were carried out for the quality control measures. It was found that, in the dry season, the total metal concentrations in dust were 1.82 gg-1 Cu to 80.00 gg-1 Zn, whereas, in the wet season, the heavy metal concentrations were 0.83 gg-1 Co to 38.43 gg-1 Zn. Hence, the selected preschool dust was significantly enriched with high levels of Cd and As contamination but unpolluted for Co, Cu, Mn, and Pb across all examined metals. The results indicate elevated concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in high-traffic indoor spaces, with levels exceeding recommended safety thresholds. Lead (Pb) exposure is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and reduced cognitive function, Cadmium (Cd) can cause kidney damage and impair bone development, while arsenic (As) is associated with immunotoxicity and an increased risk of cancer. To mitigate these risks, this study recommends practical measures, including frequent wet cleaning of floors and surfaces to reduce dust accumulation and limiting the use of materials known to contain heavy metals, such as lead-based paints and older plumbing fixtures.

Dimensions

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Published

2026-02-01

How to Cite

Concentrations of heavy metal content in indoor dust and potential exposure in preschool children. (2026). Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, 8(1), 2559. https://doi.org/10.46481/jnsps.2026.2559

Issue

Volume 8, Issue 1, February 2026

Section

Physics & Astronomy
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2025 J. A. Akinpelu, K. P. Ojo, S. O. Salawu, G. O. Olutona, F. O. Aweda, O. O. Jegede (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Concentrations of heavy metal content in indoor dust and potential exposure in preschool children. (2026). Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, 8(1), 2559. https://doi.org/10.46481/jnsps.2026.2559

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