ASSESSMENT OF LEAD AND NICKEL LEVELS IN HOUSEHOLD DUST IN THE RIO DE JANEIRO METROPOLITAN AREA

Resumo

INTRODUCTION: Indoor Dust Identifies Exposure to Different Classes of Chemical Substances. A study indicated that dust can contain up to 355 different types of chemicals, some of which are bioaccumulative and non-biodegradable, such as metals. These metals, commonly found in households, can affect residents or users of these spaces either passively or actively. They can be transformed into other species with toxic effects even at low concentrations, leading to cell damage and mortality, pulmonary inflammation, cardiovascular effects, and nervous system damage. OBJECTIVE: Determination of Pb and Ni Concentrations in Household Dust in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region through a novel methodological approach. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 11 households in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region were conveniently selected over a period of two years. For dust sampling, a polystyrene device (30×30 cm) up to 2 meters high in two different rooms for 60 days. Dust was collected using an air pump (20 L/min) attached to cassettes with cellulose ester membranes. Metal concentrations were determined by AAS. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This study analyzed three household dust sampling campaigns conducted between June 2023 and July 2024 in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, focusing on Pb and Ni quantification. Mean Ni concentrations were 30.99, 57.60, and 42.27 µg g⁻¹ across the three rounds (range: 12.04–258.93 µg g⁻¹). Pb averages were 47.99, 53.23, and 42.37 µg g⁻¹ (range: 12.04–204.27 µg g⁻¹). Although there are no regulatory limits for metals in indoor dust, Pb levels remained below the US EPA reference value of 430 µg m⁻² for window sills, with a maximum of 110 µg m⁻² in this study. Variations in deposition suggest seasonal, structural, or household-related influences. Results demonstrate the method’s sensitivity and underscore the relevance of indoor dust as an indicator of chronic exposure to heavy metals, even in non-industrial urban areas. These findings support the integration of indoor air quality monitoring into public health and environmental surveillance strategies.