Health risks of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its trace elements in Mabopane, South Africa

Abstract

Atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) contributes to approximately 4 million premature deaths globally each year. This study aimed to investigate the health risks of atmospheric PM2.5 and its trace elements in Mabopane, South Africa. PM2.5 samples were collected every sixth day from June 15, 2022 to February 28, 2023 using a GilAir-5 sampler at 4.0 L/min on the Mabopane Fire Station rooftop. Health risks were evaluated using US EPA guidelines, WHO air quality limits, South African National Ambient Air Quality Standards (SANAAQS), and US EPA trace element reference levels. The mean PM2.5 level was 10 µg/m3 (range: 1.1─29 µg/m3), exceeding the WHO annual air quality limit (5 µg/m3) but below SANAAQS (20 µg/m3). PM2.5 posed health risks (hazard quotient > 1) across all age groups. Among 18 trace elements, Ca, Fe, K, S, and Si showed the highest levels (110─240 ng/m3). The excess cancer risk from Ni was 1.2 × 10−6. These findings underscore the need for targeted air quality controls to reduce PM2.5 and trace elements from dust and anthropogenic sources, to protect public health in Mabopane and similar areas.