Health risk assessment of heavy metals in dust particles precipitated on the screen of computer monitors | JoVE Visualize

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in dust particles precipitated on the screen of computer monitors

Mehdi Vosoughi^1,2, Fatemeh Shahi Zavieh^3,4, S Ahmad Mokhtari¹

¹Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International|March 27, 2021

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Heavy metals in indoor dust are a concern, especially on computer screens. This study found higher concentrations on CRT monitors than LCDs, but risks for both are negligible.

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Occupational Health
Analytical Chemistry

Background:

Indoor dust harbors suspended particles and heavy metals, posing an indoor pollution risk.
Computer monitors, essential in modern life, can accumulate these hazardous substances.
Understanding heavy metal deposition on different monitor types is crucial for assessing indoor air quality.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare heavy metal concentrations on Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors.
To assess the associated health risks from heavy metal exposure via dust on these devices.
To identify the primary exposure routes for heavy metals from monitor dust.

Main Methods:

Dust samples were collected from CRT and LCD screens using OSHA-approved wet filter wipe methods.
Heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu) were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry.
Exposure and risk assessments were conducted utilizing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) parameters.

Main Results:

Average heavy metal concentrations in dust were higher on CRT monitors (0.82 mg/kg) compared to LCDs (0.69 mg/kg).
Chromium (Cr) exhibited the highest average concentration, while Mercury (Hg) had the lowest across both monitor types.
Non-carcinogenic risk (HI) and carcinogenicity risk (RI) indexes were below safe limits for both CRT and LCD monitors, with ingestion identified as the primary exposure route.

Conclusions:

While CRT monitors accumulate higher levels of heavy metals in dust, the overall health risks associated with both CRT and LCD dust are considered negligible.
The risk index (RI) values are significantly below the threshold for concern, indicating that cancer risk from these elements in monitor dust can be disregarded.
Ingestion is the predominant pathway for human exposure to heavy metals present in indoor dust on computer screens.