Includes CD

Includes references (78-84 p.)

'ABSTRACT In this study the origin and composition of particulate matter across North Cyprus is analysed by investigating the mineral compounds present in the dust samples using X-ray diffraction instrument, it revealed that all the samples contained Carbon carbonate (Calcite), Dolomite and Quartz. The scanning electron microscope produced images that showed the heterogeneous texture of the samples, and The Fourier transform infrared instrument was used to confirm the mineral compounds present in the samples at a wavelength of 520 cm−1 to 1450 cm−1. Chemical analysis of the samples were done using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer to determine Lead, Cadmium and Iron present in the dust samples. The cadmium (0.002mg/kg to 0.295mg/kg) and lead (2.362mg/kg to 10.510mg/kg) concentration were within the recommended concentrations (2mg/kg for cadmium and 85mg/kg for lead) provided by WHO and EPA but the Iron concentration (4738.818mg/kg to 6007.092mg/kg) is higher than the recommended Iron concentration of 4750mg/kg provided by the EPA. The concentration of each metal was compared to other countries close to North Cyprus and the following results were gotten; For Cadmium: Iran > Turkey > Austria > Egypt >North Cyprus, For Lead: Singapore > Turkey > Austria > Iran > North Cyprus > Egypt and For Iron: Singapore > Iran > Egypt > North Cyprus > Turkey. From this analysis the origin of all samples includes African Origin, Sea Spray, Cement Production, Exhaust Petrol and Steel Production. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk Assessment values showed that the cadmium concentration is at low risk because the ILCR value is ≤ 10−6, the Lead concentration is at moderate risk due to the ILCR value of 10−5 but the Iron Concentration is at high risk due to the ILCR value of 10−4 to 10−2. Keywords: Particulate Matter Pollution, Mineral Compounds, Cancer Risk Assessment, Origin and Composition of Heavy Metals. '