Assessment of metals pollution and health risk in dust from nursery schools in Xi'an, China

Concentrations, pollution and health risks of metals in dust from nursery schools in Xi'an, China were determined. In comparison with local soil, dust samples have elevated metals concentrations except for Mn. The results indicate no distinct pollution of Mn, Ni, As and Ba in the dust, while Cu, Co and Zn are moderate pollution, Pb is significant pollution, and Cr with large pollution range. Most samples presented moderately polluted by metals. The non-cancer risks of the studied metals are within the safe range, and the cancer risks of As, Co, Cr and Ni are also within the currently acceptable range. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.