Atmospheric pollution by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) remains a critical environmental and public health issue. In this study, total suspended particle (TSP) samples were collected at 13 monitoring sites across Chongqing from January to October 2021 and analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The mean annual TSP concentration was 97.2 mu g<middle dot>m(-)(3), with clear seasonal variability. The concentrations of PTEs followed the order Zn > Ti > Mn > Cu > Sr > Pb > Cr > Ni > As > V. Source apportionment indicated that soil and road dust, industrial emissions, coal combustion, and traffic were the dominant contributors. Ecological risk analysis highlighted As, Cu, and Pb as the main elements of concern, with the overall risk level classified as moderate. The health risk assessment indicates that inhalation-related carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are generally within acceptable bounds; dermal contact presents a carcinogenic risk exceeding the commonly accepted threshold while remaining on the order of 10(-)(4); and ingestion yields a non-carcinogenic hazard for children above unity, dominated by arsenic. Overall, children exhibit higher multi-pathway risks than adults, warranting targeted, pathway-specific control of As, Cr, and Ni along their dominant exposure routes.