Health risk assessment of heavy metals in direct drinking water among middle and primary schools in Huangpi District of Wuhan / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To analyze heavy metal health risks of direct drinking water in primary and secondary schools in Huangpi District, Wuhan, so as to provide reference basis for ensuring drinking water safety of teachers and students.@*Methods@#Cadmium (Cd), Plumbum (Pb) and arsenic (As) in water samples from primary and secondary schools were detected in accordance with the GB/T 5750-2006 "Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water", water quality was evaluated based on the Quality Standard for Fine Drinking Water(CJ 94-2005). Health risk assessment model was used to evaluate the potential risk of heavy metals in direct drinking water in primary and secondary schools.@*Results@#The unqualified rates of Pb, Cd and As were 0.95%, 1.22% and 0 in 66 primary and secondary schools in Huangpi District, Wuhan. The risk of noncarcinogens related to the direct drinking water of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As) were less than 1. The range of carcinogenic risks related to the direct drinking water was within the range of 1.07×10 -8 /year -5.58×10 -6 /year which were both within the acceptable level.@*Conclusion@#Concentrations of cadmium, plumbum and arsenic were not found to be significantly elevated as compared to "Quality Standard for Fine Drinking Water" in Huangpi District of Wuhan. Pb and Cd slightly exceeded the standard, with no significant health risk. Water quality and health risk assessment should be strengthened to ensure the safety of drinking water for teachers and students.