Indoor dust composition of university laboratories and potential health risks in Pahang, Malaysia

Dust pollution poses a significant risk to human health and natural systems, and has a substantial impact on the overall quality of both outdoor and indoor air. Dust also plays a crucial role in transporting metal elements in an indoor environment. This study examines the levels of specific metals (Al, Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn) present in dust samples collected from two laboratories in UiTM Cawangan Pahang, Malaysia. The analysis focuses on assessing pollution levels and potential impacts on human health. The concentrations of metal were significantly higher in Lab 2. Moderate enrichment of Zn was found in the indoor dust samples. Both laboratories showed that the major route of exposure to metals posing health risks was ingestion, followed by skin contact and inhalation, for individuals of all age groups, including adults and children. Zn and Pb exhibited higher potential non-cancer risk than Fe and Cu. The hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) were within acceptable thresholds (HI < 1 and 10–6 < LCR < 10–4) in both laboratories.