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

Adebayo AKINPELU; K. P. Ojo; olakunle salawu; G. O. Olutona; Francis Aweda; O. O. Jegede

doi:10.46481/jnsps.2026.2559

Authors

J. A. Akinpelu
[email protected]

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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