Investigation of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Indoor Air of Traditional Coffee Houses in Tehran, Iran (2020).

Background: Exposure to heavy metals in coffee house air poses notable occupational health risks. This study aimed to quantify heavy metal and particulate pollution levels in Tehran's traditional coffee houses. Materials and Methods: In this study of 57 Tehran coffee houses, samples were collected using personal sampling pumps and 0.8 µm cellulose ester filters following National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH-7300) guidelines. Heavy metal levels were determined using ICP-AES analysis. Results: The results showed that iron and magnesium metals had the lowest concentration of metals in the air within coffee houses, with an average of 10-8 µg/m³, whereas manganese metals had the highest concentration, with an average of 4.507 10-5 µg/m³. Two of the 57 locations under study had greater Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) than the others, whereas other locations had lower TLV mixtures, and these two locations had mixed TLVs of 1.315 and 1.282, respectively. 96.49 percent of the 57 measured locations had a mixed TLV below the standard and 3.51 percent above it. According to the findings of the current study, there are eight heavy metals present in Traditional coffee houses air, ranging in concentration from more to less of Fe, Mg > Pb > Ag > Cu > Ca >Na >Mn. Conclusions: The health of coffee house employees may suffer adverse effects from chronic exposure to these elements. To protect the health of Traditional Coffee Houses employees, it is essential to incorporate engineering controls for indoor air quality, monitor ventilation systems, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]