ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH RISK EXPOSURE OF PUPILS TO CLASSROOM DUST IN SOME PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN CALABAR METROPOLIS, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the health risk exposure of pupils to classroom dust in some primary schools in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. Dust samples were collected from chosen primary schools by the sweeping method. The samples were analyzed using Ultra -Violet Spectrophotometer Palintest model 7500. The data were analyzed using ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact models. The findings of the study revealed that classrooms in the study area are heavily polluted with Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd and Co with exception of a few schools and this may pose health risks to the pupils. The mean concentration of heavy metals was in this order: Co>Fe>Cu>Mn>Cr>Ni>Zn>Cd>Pb.  The calculated values of the hazard quotient (HQ) and the hazard index (HI) were greater than 1. The total carcinogenic risk was in this order: Cr>Cd>Ni>Pb and were all greater than the acceptable range of 1 x 10^-6  – 1 x 10^-4 indicating a significant risk indicators of cancer. The implication of this is that there is the likelihood of cancer risk. It was therefore recommended that the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) should sponsor research to routinely monitor the classrooms to ensure that they are pollution – free of heavy metals such as Ni, Cu, Cd and Co. There should be an awareness campaign among teachers and pupils on good sanitation and hygiene in the classrooms and school environment. Also, environmentally – free remediation techniques should be used by experts to clean off heavy metals in classrooms.