Heavy Metal Levels in Green Areas of the Urban Soil Environment of Larissa City (Central Greece): Health and Sustainable Living Risk Assessment for Adults and Children

Heavy metal soil pollution in urban areas is a critical environmental, public health, and sustainable living issue. The quantities of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in urban soils in Larissa, Greece, are evaluated in this study along with their risks to human health. A total of 198 surface soil samples were collected from green areas over a three-year period (2021–2023) and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results show that Zn has the highest mean concentration (99.80 mg/kg in the summer), followed by Cu (57.33 mg/kg), Pb (48.60 mg/kg), and Cd (0.10 mg/kg). Seasonal variations revealed increased metal levels in the summer due to reduced soil moisture and atmospheric deposition. For assessing the level of pollution in Larissa’s urban areas, thematic maps were created. Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) risk assessment framework, model estimates indicated that ingestion was the dominant exposure route, with children predicted to experience higher non-carcinogenic risks than adults due to the model default exposure assumptions. The hazard quotient (HQ) for Pb in children with soil-pica disorder reached 6.79, exceeding the safe threshold (HQ = 1), indicating significant adverse health risks. Although average metal concentrations were within EU safety limits, the cumulative health risk assessment highlights the need for continuous monitoring and pollution mitigation strategies in urban environments.