Determination of levels and health risks of trace elements measured house in Düzce province

Düzce province is at risk regarding environmental pollution due to its geographical location, topographic features, and leading ecological pollution sources (domestic, industrial, and traffic). Therefore, it is essential to monitor pollutants in the province and investigate any adverse effects they may cause. In this study, dust samples were collected from 30 houses in the city center and districts of Düzce and the concentration levels of the elements Li, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg and Pb were determined. In the study, elemental analyzes of dust samples were carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) (Perkin Elmer AVİO 200) device. The order of arithmetic mean values of the analyzed elements are Ca > K > Fe > Na > Mg > Ti > Zn > Mn > Ba > Sr > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Zr > Mo > Co > Li > Cd > Ag > Se > Sb > As > Hg. In the study, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method was used to assess the health risks based on exposure to toxic elements. Although the hazard index (HI) values recorded in the study were below the safety limit, it was determined that both HI and cancer risk levels were significant in terms of cumulative pollution. It was seen that the concentration levels obtained for Düzce province were relatively low compared to similar studies, when the elemental content of house dust in Düzce province was evaluated by comparing it with national and international existing studies. Enrichment factors (EF) were calculated for each element to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic activities on element concentrations in house dust. In the study, statistical analysis methods such as correlation analysis and clustering analysis were used to determine indoor pollutant sources. Additionally, concentration distribution maps of the elements were prepared to understand how pollutants change according to sampling points. As a result of the evaluations, it has been understood that indoor environments are affected by outdoor pollutant sources such as traffic, industry and combustion. In addition, it has been understood that indoor pollutant sources such as cooking, smoking, and the use of household products such as wall paints, floor coverings and cleaning materials affect the elemental content of indoor dust.