Assessment of children’s exposure to air pollutant PM10 and lead in crtitical districts in the Republic of Serbia

Ana Gladović; Bojana Petrović; Dragana Javorac; Aleksandra Buha Djordjević; Marijana Ćurčić; Danijela Djukic-Ćosić; Andrej Šoštarić; Biljana Antonijević; Zorica Bulat

Ana Gladović University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology „Akademik Danilo Soldatović“
Bojana Petrović University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology „Akademik Danilo Soldatović“
Dragana Javorac University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology „Akademik Danilo Soldatović“
Aleksandra Buha Djordjević University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology „Akademik Danilo Soldatović“
Marijana Ćurčić University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology „Akademik Danilo Soldatović“
Danijela Djukic-Ćosić University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology „Akademik Danilo Soldatović“
Andrej Šoštarić Institute of Public Health
Biljana Antonijević University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology „Akademik Danilo Soldatović“
Zorica Bulat University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology „Akademik Danilo Soldatović“

Abstract

PM₁₀ particles present in excessive concentrations in polluted air can negatively affect respiratory and cardiovascular system, whereas lead exposure shows adverse effects on renal, hematological, immunological, reproductive and neurological system, especially in children (1). This study was carried out to assess children’s exposure to PM₁₀ and lead through the air in critical districts of Serbia. Mean yearly concentrations of PM₁₀and lead were used from reports of the Serbian Enviromental Protection Agency, for selected measuring sites in the cities of Subotica, Smederevo, Bor, Valjevo and Kraljevo. Measuring sites were selected based on air quality (over-polluted air) and being close to places where children spend their time during the day. The US EPA method was used to assess health risk, which classifies risk as acceptable (≤1) or unacceptable (>1) based on hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values (2). HQ for PM₁₀ particles was higher than 1 in all critical districts, indicating risk as unacceptable. Values of HI for lead were lower than 1 in all critical districts, indicating risk as acceptable. Results are showing that actions for reduction of air pollution in Serbia should be taken due to obtained results for particulate matter and lead.

References

1. ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Lead. (2020).
2. Ahmad I. Airborne PM10 and lead concentrations at selected traffic junctions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Implications for human health. Atm. Poll. Research 10 (2019); 1320-1325.