In 2020, the mass concentration of PM_2.5 in Shijiazhuang urban area was(80.30±71.43)μg/m³. The Spearman correlation analysis between metals and metalloids showed that Sb with Cd, Pb, Ni, Se, Cd with Pb, Ni, Se, Pb with Ni, Se, Ni with Se, and Se with Tl were positively correlated, with a coefficient greater than 0.5. The main sources of metals and metalloids of PM_2.5 were traffic emissions, fuel combustion, metal smelting and dust. The HQ values of Pb, Hg and Mn for each population were less than 1, with lower non-carcinogenic risk. The R values of carcinogenic risk of Ni and Cd in each population were less than 1×10^-6, which could be acceptable risk level for the population. The R values of carcinogenic risk of As and Cr in different populations were between 1×10^-6 and 1×10^-4, with potential carcinogenic risk, particularly higher in adult males.
Adult ; Cadmium ; Carcinogens/analysis* ; Dust/analysis* ; Environmental Monitoring ; Humans ; Lead ; Male ; Metalloids/analysis* ; Risk Assessment

BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb) exposure in shooting ranges has been reduced by various measures such as jacketed ammunition and lead-free primers. Nevertheless, this may lead to exposure to other metals, potentially resulting in adverse health effects. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 35 subjects from seven different shooting ranges were studied: four shooting instructors, 10 police officers, 15 Special Forces, and six maintenance staff members. Metals and metalloids were determined in blood and urine by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The concentrations of most elements did not differ significantly between groups or compared to reference values, except for Sb and Pt in urine and Pb in blood. Mean values for Sb were considerably higher in urine from the Special Forces (0.34 μg/L), the maintenance staff (0.13 μg/L), and shooting instructors (0.32 μg/L) compared to the police officers before shooting (0.06 μg/L) and a Belgian reference value (0.04 μg/L). For Pt, the Special Forces showed higher mean urinary concentrations (0.078 μg/L) compared to a Belgian reference value (<0.061 μg/L). Mean values for blood lead were markedly higher in the Special Forces (3.9 μg/dL), maintenance staff (5.7 μg/dL), and instructors (11.7 μg/dL) compared to police officers (1.4 μg/dL). One instructor exceeded the biological exposure index for blood Pb (38.8 μg/dL). CONCLUSION: Since both Pb and Sb were found to be higher in shooting range employees, especially among frequent shooters, it is advisable to provide appropriate protective equipment, education, and medical follow-up for shooting range personnel in addition to careful choice of ammunition.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Education ; Environmental Monitoring ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Metalloids ; Metals ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupational Health ; Police ; Reference Values ; Spectrum Analysis