Heavy Metal Pollution in Urban Park Soils and Child Health Risks: A Review of Findings from Turkey

Abstract

Objective: Rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization have made soil pollution significant environmental health concern. The toxic effects of heavy metals on children's health are attracting attention. The aim of this review is to reveal the current situation and knowledge gaps in Turkey by examining the literature on heavy metal accumulation in urban parks, exposure routes in children, toxicological effects and risk assessment models used.

Material and Methods: Studies published in national and international literature on heavy metal contamination in urban soils, child-specific exposure assessments, and health risk analyses were reviewed. Heavy metal measurements conducted in urban parks and play grounds in Türkiye and their associated health risk assessment results were comparativelye valuated.

Results: The literature indicates that children are more vulnerable than adults to heavy metal exposure due to hand-to-mouth behavior, higher contact with outdoor environments, and developmental sensitivity. Many studies conducted in Türkiye have reported that concent rations of Pb, Cd, and Ni in certain urban areas are close to orexceed established limit values. HQ, HI, and CR analyses suggest potential health risks for children in some regions. Major sources of urban soil contamination include traffice missions, industrial activities, construction waste, and atmospheric deposition

Discussion and Conclusion: Findings highlight the necessity of systematic monitoring of heavy metal accumulation in children’sparks and play grounds across Türkiye and under score the need to strengthen child-centered environmental health policies. Development of regulatory interventions to reduce exposure and implementation of standardized national risk assessment programs are recommended.