Using elemental concentrations and dust loadings as metrics of human exposure to potentially toxic elements in kindergarten indoor dust

Abstract

[Excerpt] Due to the hand-to-mouth activities frequently observed among the youngest children, they are likely to ingest higher amounts of indoor dust than adults. Since pre-schoolers are prone to exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) through the ingestion route, characterizing human exposure within kindergarten microenvironments is paramount for children who spend considerable time in school. Ergo, a study encompassing five kindergartens in the industrial city of Estarreja was performed. Indoor dust samples were collected from the kindergartens.[...]