ANALYSIS OF VEHICULAR FALLOUTS FROM TRAFFIC IN THE KUMASI METROPOLIS, GHANA

Concentrations of platinum, lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc in dust from areas of high, medium, low and very low vehicular movements in Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of the Republic of Ghana was measured. High concentrations of platinum, lead, copper, and zinc were found to be associated with soils from areas of high traffic densities suggesting that vehicles (that ply these areas) also contribute heavy metals to the environment. The results of the study shows that the road and users, like residents living in buildings within these areas, those engaged in commercial activities like hawking, and the general public are at risk of exposure to the toxic effects of Pt, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn as they inhale those metals released from the exhaust of vehicles into the environment. According to these results, there is the potential for exposure to high levels of Pt, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn for road users and those living in urban environments or along the highways.