Lung deposition of PM-bound trace elements and corresponding human health risk assessment in commercial kitchens serving Mediterranean cuisine

The service offered by commercial kitchens and the catering industry is becoming more and more popular all around the world. However, the health risks of sector workers are often overlooked. In this study, size-segregated Particulate Matter (PM) samples were collected from the indoor environments of five commercial kitchens, and elemental concentrations were quantified to estimate the corresponding health risks. Lung-deposited fractions of trace elements in three different regions of the respiratory tract were estimated and used to assess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. Besides, the deterioration in lung capacity of the cooks was also evaluated by spirometry tests to correlate indoor pollutants. Exposure to trace elements was dominated by Na, S, Al, Fe, and Mg. Estimated carcinogenic risk through inhalation exposure to Cr was between the moderate risk level of 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁴, while the Hazard Index (HI) values were lower than the acceptable level of 1. This, along with elevated indoor PM levels, represented a significant potential for carcinogenic health hazards for the kitchen staff. According to the results of the lung function tests, a significant decrease was determined in the respiratory functions of the cooks, and it was associated with elevated exposure to fine PM, Pb, Cr, Cu, K, Ni, and Mn. Workplace health and safety measures to better protect the health of kitchen staff are urgently needed and should attract more public attention.