Distribution, sources and potential health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 collected during different monsoon seasons and haze episode in Kuala Lumpur

Organic compounds in valley fogwater in North and Mount Lebanon during COVID-19 period

Caltech Active Strand Cloudwater collectors are used to collect valley fog samples from Mount and North-Lebanon during 2021 for the speciation of organic matter for the first time ever. Numerous compounds including pesticides, phenols, acids, and persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been identified in fogwater samples. They are extracted using the liquid-liquid extraction performed on the XTR chromabond columns. The highest contribution to the total organic fraction refers to phenols and acids (around 77 %) due to their better water solubility than others inducing a good affinity to the aqueous phase of fogwater droplets. The lowest contribution refers to the hydrophobic families accounting together for <5 % of the total fraction. Pearson analysis is employed in this study to check correlations between some variables. PAHs are found to be originated from combustion and vehicle exhaust and PCBs are found to be highly correlated with PAHs. Phenols and acids are highly associated with PAHs and PCBs as well as with sulfate and heavy metals (manganese and nickel). This shows that their sources can be either atmospheric oxidation or vehicle exhaust. Pesticides are found to be highly correlated with each other which suggests their simultaneous applications. Despite all, more research is still needed to have a bigger and more reliable data to adopt the beneficial effect of fogwater as an alternative for fresh water at least for the Lebanese agriculture.

Effect of traffic volumes on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of particulate matter: A comparative study from urban and rural areas in Malaysia

Motor vehicles emit most Malaysian PAHs in particulate matter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5-bound PAHs). Although traffic-related air pollution harms healthy people, there is a knowledge gap regarding PAHs' effects on Malaysians. This study examines PM2.5-bound PAH concentrations, distribution, sources, and health risks in Malaysia's high and low-traffic zones. Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Hulu Langat (HL) exhibit Malaysia's high- and low-traffic areas. The high-volume air sampler collected 40 ambient PM2.5 samples at both locations. Solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) assessed PAHs. The mean PM2.5-bound PAH concentrations in KL (5.85 ng m-3) were significantly higher than in HL (0.55 ng m-3) (p<0.001). KL has nine times more low-molecular-weight PAHs (LMW-PAHs) (2.63 vs. 0.27 ng m-3) and eleven times more high-molecular-weight PAHs (HMW-PAHs) (3.22 vs. 0.28 ng m-3) than HL. Over 51% of PM2.5 air samples at both sites included HMW-PAHs. Source apportionment tools (Diagnostic ratio, positive matrix factorization, and principal component analysis) showed that fossil fuel combustions (petrol and diesel) produced the greatest PAHs in both locations. Moreover, PAH exposure impinged higher carcinogenic health risks in KL than in HL. In conclusion, traffic and automobile pollution account for the short- and long-term health risks posed by PAHs in both regions.

Toxicity, mutagenicity, and source identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient atmosphere and flue gas

This study aimed to assess the characteristics of particulate matter (PM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from various stationary and mobile emission sources in Taiwan, with a focus on source apportionment and associated health risks. The northern power plant, equipped with bag filters operating at 150 °C, had significantly lower FPM and CPM levels (0.44 and 0.13 mg/m3, respectively) compared to the central and southern power plants, which used electrostatic precipitators operating at 250 °C (FPM, 1.45-8.35 mg/m3; CPM, 2.37-3.73 mg/m3). Additionally, emissions from diesel vehicles under both idle and high-speed conditions exhibited higher FPM levels (3.46-4.67 mg/m3) than gasoline vehicles (0.19-0.40 mg/m3). In terms of PAH toxicity, diesel vehicle emissions had significantly higher BaP-TEQ (87.3 ng/m3) and BaP-MEQ (25.9 ng/m3) levels compared to power plants (BaP-TEQ, 5.49 ng/m3; BaP-MEQ, 2.65 ng/m3). The highest ambient concentrations of PM2.5, BaP-TEQ, and BaP-MEQ were recorded at traffic sites, with values of 48 ± 36 µg/m3, 0.29 ng/m3, and 0.11 ng/m3, respectively. Differences in PAH distributions between stationary and mobile sources were influenced by factors such as pollution control technologies, combustion temperatures, and fuel types. Diesel vehicle emissions were dominated by benzo[g,h,i]perylene (BghiP), indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (IND), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF) under idle conditions, while phenanthrene (PA), pyrene (Pyr), and BghiP were prevalent under high-speed conditions. Source apportionment conducted using principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) identified diesel and gasoline vehicles as the dominant contributors to atmospheric PAHs in Taiwan, accounting for 38% of the total, followed by coal-fired power plants at 35%. The highest lifetime excess cancer risk (ECR) of 2.5 × 10⁻5 was observed in traffic-dense areas, emphasizing the public health implications of vehicle emissions. The study adds credibility to the source apportionment findings, and the health risk analysis highlights variations across different regions, including traffic, urban, rural, and background zones.

Source apportionment of particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), and their associated long-term health risks in a major European city

Many studies have drawn attention to the associations of oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) with harmful health effects, advocating for their systematic monitoring alongside simple PAHs to better understand the aerosol carcinogenic potential in urban areas. To address this need, this study conducted an extensive PM2.5 sampling campaign in Athens, Greece, at the Thissio Supersite of the National Observatory of Athens, from December 2018 to July 2021, aiming to characterize the levels and variability of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), perform source apportionment, and assess health risk. Cumulative OPAH concentrations (Σ-OPAHs) were in the same range as Σ-PAHs (annual average 4.2 and 5.6 ng m-3, respectively). They exhibited a common seasonal profile with enhanced levels during the heating seasons, primarily attributed to residential wood burning (RWB). The episodic impact of biomass burning was also observed during a peri-urban wildfire event in May 2021, when PAH and OPAH concentrations increased by a factor of three compared to the monthly average. The study period also included the winter 2020-2021 COVID-19 lockdown, during which PAH and OPAH levels decreased by >50 % compared to past winters. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) source apportionment, based on a carbonaceous aerosol speciation dataset, identified PAC sources related to RWB, local traffic (gasoline vehicles) and urban traffic (including diesel emissions), as well as an impact of regional organic aerosol. Despite its seasonal character, RWB accounted for nearly half of Σ-PAH and over two-thirds of Σ-OPAH concentrations. Using the estimated source profiles and contributions, the source-specific carcinogenic potency of the studied PACs was calculated, revealing that almost 50 % was related to RWB. These findings underscore the urgent need to regulate domestic biomass burning at a European level, which can provide concrete benefits for improving urban air quality, towards the new stricter EU standards, and reducing long-term health effects.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in blood serum of adults living in high and low-traffic volume areas in Malaysia: A comparative cross-sectional study

Ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) originate predominantly from fuel combustion of motor vehicles and have the potential to affect human health. However, there is insufficient knowledge regarding serum PAHs health risks among the Malaysian population. This study aims to compare PAH concentrations, distributions, correlations, and health risks in 202 blood serum samples drawn from residents living in high-traffic volume areas (Kuala Lumpur) and low-traffic volume areas (Hulu Langat) in Malaysia. Solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed to extract and analyze blood serum samples. Questionnaires were distributed to obtain sociodemographic and contributing factors of serum PAHs. The mean total PAHs concentration in serum of the Kuala Lumpur group was 54.44 ng g-1 lipids, double the Hulu Langat group's concentration (25.7 ng g-1 lipids). Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IcP) and acenaphthene (ACP) feature the most and least abundant compounds in both study groups. The mean concentrations of IcP and ACP in the Kuala Lumpur and Hulu Langat groups were 26.8 vs 12.68 and 0.27 vs 0.14 ng g-1 lipids, respectively. High-molecular-weight PAHs (HMW-PAHs) composed 85% of serum total PAHs in both groups. Significant correlations were found (i) between the individual serum PAH congeners (p < 0.01) and (ii) between serum PAHs and total lipids (p < 0.01). According to the questionnaire data, high traffic volume and outdoor hobbies were the only contributory factors that confirmed significant relationships with serum PAHs (p < 0.001). Health risk assessment was computed using benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) equivalent (BaPeq) and demonstrated that the Kuala Lumpur group has twofold greater carcinogenic risk than the Hulu Langat group (16.11 vs 7.76 ng g-1 lipids). Our study reveals that traffic volumes notably impact serum PAH levels and general health among the Malaysian population.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in indoor mosques dust in Saudi Arabia: Levels, source apportionment, human health and carcinogenic risk assessment for congregators

Mosques are important places for Muslims where they perform their prayers. The congregators are exposed to hazardous pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with dust. However, studies on PAHs exposure in religious places are scarce. Air-condition filter (ACF) dust can correspond to air quality to a certain extent, since dust particles derived from indoor and outdoor places stick to it. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the 16 EPA PAHs in ACF dust from mosques to determine their levels, profiles, sources and risks. Average Σ16 PAHs concentrations were 1039, 1527, 2284 and 5208 ng/g in AC filter dust from mosques in residential (RM), suburban (SM), urban (UM) and car repair workshop (CRWM), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Based on the molecular diagnostic PAH ratios, PAHs in mosques dust is emitted from local incomplete fuel combustion, as well as complete fossil fuels combustion sources (pyrogenic), petroleum spills, crude and fuel oil, traffic emissions, and other possible sources of industrial emissions in different functional areas. The incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) values for children and adults across the different types of mosques follow the order: CRWM > UM > SM > RM. ILCRs values for both children and adults were found in order: dermal contact > ingestion > inhalation. The cancer risk levels via ingestion for children were relatively higher than the adults. The values of cancer risk for children and adults via dermal contact and ingestion (except in RM) were categorized in the 'potentially high risk' category (> 10-4). The mean values of total cancer risks (CR) for children (5.74 × 10-3) and adults (5.07 × 10-3) in mosques also exceeded the accepted threat value (>10-4). Finally, it is recommended that regular and frequent monitoring of PAHs should be carried out in mosques to improve the quality and maintain the health of congregators around the globe.

Semi-diurnal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons bound to PM2.5 and PM0.1 during pollution episode in the urban area of Hanoi

Every year, Hanoi suffers from several episodes (periods with daily concentration of PM2.5 higher than 50 µg m-3 during at least two consecutive days). These episodes are of health concern because of the high concentration of PM2.5 and/or PM0.1 and the presence of PM-bound toxic components, such as, PAHs. In this study, the concentrations of PAHs bound to PM2.5 and PM0.1 in night-time and day-time samples during episode and non-episode periods in December 2021 were determined. The concentrations of PAHs bound to PM2.5 were found to increase significantly from day-time samples of 3.24 ± 0.83 ng m-3 to night-time samples of 10.8 ± 4.45 ng m-3 in episode periods. However, PAHs bound to PM0.1 increased slightly from day-time samples of 0.58 ± 0.12 ng m-3 to night-time samples of 0.89 ± 0.30 ng m-3 in episode periods. Diagnostic ratios of PAHs indicate that biomass/coal combustion and vehicular emission are the primary sources of PAHs. The incremental lifetime cancer risk was estimated to vary from 8.7E-09 to 2.5E-08 for children and 6.7E-08 to 2.2E-07 for adults, respectively. Accordingly, loss of life expectancy was estimated at 0.11 min and 0.82 min for children and adults, respectively. These findings imply that the carcinogenic impact induced by PAHs via inhalation is negligible during the episode period.

Temporal variations and chemical characteristics of marine PM2.5 at Dongsha Islands, South China Sea: Three-year measurement

The study of long-range transport effects on marine fine particles (PM2.5), particularly in remote sites such as the Dongsha Islands, is pivotal for advancing our understanding of air pollution dynamics on a regional scale and for formulating effective environmental policies. PM2.5 concentrations were examined over three consecutive years and grouped based on their transport routes. The backward trajectory simulation revealed that high PM2.5 concentrations were observed in the West Channel, originating from North and Central China, the Korean Peninsula, and the Japanese Islands, opposed to the East Channel. High PM2.5 concentrations, commonly observed in winter and spring, were mainly attributed to the Asian Northeastern Monsoons. Water-soluble inorganic ions constituted the major components, accounting for 37.8-48.7% of PM2.5, and followed by metal elements (15.5-20.0%), carbons (7.5-13.3%), levoglucosan (0.01-0.17%), and organic aerosols (0.2-2.2%). Secondary inorganic aerosols as the dominant source accounted for 8.3-24.7% of PM2.5, while sea salts were the secondary major contributor. High levoglucosan contribution (3.8-7.2%) in winter and spring was attributed to biomass burning, mainly from the Indochina Peninsula. Chemical mass balance receptor modeling resolved that major sources of PM2.5 were secondary sulfate, sea salts, fugitive dust, and industrial boilers. This study concluded that the long-range transport of PM2.5 gradually increased since fall, contributing 52.1-74.3%, highlighting its substantial impact on PM2.5 in all seasons except summer.

Probing the occurrence, sources and cancer risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM2.5 in a humid metropolitan city in China

Fifty-two consecutive PM2.5 samples from December 2021 to February 2022 (the whole winter) were collected in the center of Chongqing, a humid metropolitan city in China. These samples were analysed for the 16 USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs) to explore their composition and sources, and to assess their cancer risks to humans. The total concentrations of the 16 PAHs (ng m-3) ranged from 16.45 to 174.15, with an average of 59.35 ± 21.45. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) indicated that traffic emissions were the major source (42.4%), followed by coal combustion/industrial emission (31.3%) and petroleum leakage/evaporation (26.3%). The contribution from traffic emission to the 16 PAHs increased from 40.0% in the non-episode days to as high as 46.2% in the air quality episode during the sampling period. The population attributable fraction (PAF) indicates that when the unit relative risk (URR) is 4.49, the number of lung cancer cases per million individuals under PAH exposure is 27 for adults and 38 for seniors, respectively. It was 5 for adults and 7 for seniors, when the URR is 1.3. The average incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for children, adolescents, adults and seniors was 0.25 × 10-6, 0.23 × 10-6, 0.71 × 10-6, and 1.26 × 10-6, respectively. The results of these two models complemented each other well, and both implied acceptable PAH exposure levels. Individual genetic susceptibility and exposure time were identified as the most sensitive parameters. The selection and use of parameters in risk assessment should be further deepened in subsequent studies to enhance the reliability of the assessment results.

Toxicity source apportionment of fugitive dust PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using multilayer perceptron neural network analysis in Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban fugitive dust, known for their toxicity and ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), are a major public health concern. This study assessed the spatial distribution and health risks of 15 PAHs in construction dust (CD) and road dust (RD) samples collected from June to November 2021 over the cities of Tongchuan (TC), Baoji (BJ), Xianyang (XY), and Xi'an (XA) in the Guanzhong Plain, China. The average concentration of ΣPAHs in RD was 39.5 ± 20.0 μg g-1, approximately twice as much as in CD. Four-ring PAHs from fossil fuels combustion accounted for the highest proportion of ΣPAHs in fugitive dust over all four cities. Health-related indicators including benzo(a)pyrene toxic equivalency factors (BAPTEQ), oxidative potential (OP), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) all presented higher risk in RD than those in CD. The multilayer perceptron neural network algorithm quantified that vehicular and industrial emissions contributed 86 % and 61 % to RD and CD BAPTEQ, respectively. For OP, the sources of biomass and coal combustion were the key generator which accounted for 31-54 %. These findings provide scientific evidence for the direct efforts toward decreasing the health risks of fugitive dust in Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration, China.

Identification of potential source regions and long-range transport routes/channels of marine PM2.5 at remote sites in East Asia

Long-range transport (LRT) of air masses in East Asia and their impacts on marine PM2.5 were explored. Situated in the leeward region of East Asia, Taiwan Island marked by its elevated Central Mountain Range (CMR) separates air masses into two distinct air currents. This study aims to investigate the transport of PM2.5 from the north to the leeward region. Six transport routes (A-F) were identified and further classified them into three main channels (i.e. East, West, and South Channels) based on their transport routes and potential sources. Green Island (Site GR) and Hengchun Peninsula (Site HC) exhibited similarities in their transport routes, with Central China, North China, and Korean Peninsula being the major source regions of PM2.5, particularly during the Asian Northeastern Monsoons (ANMs). Dongsha Island (Site DS) was influenced by both Central China and coastal regions of East China, indicating Asian continental outflow (ACO) as the major source of PM2.5. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis of PM2.5 resolved that soil dust, sea salts, biomass burning, ship emissions, and secondary aerosols were the major sources. Northerly Channels (i.e. East and West Channels) were primarily influenced by ship emissions and secondary aerosols, while South Channel was dominated by oceanic spray and soil dust. The results of W-PSCF and W-CWT analysis indicated that three remote sites experienced significant contributions from Central China in the highest PM2.5 concentration range (75-100%). In contrast, PM2.5 in the 0-25% and 25-50% ranges primarily originated from the open seas, with ship emissions being the prominent source. It suggested that northern regions with heavy industrialization and urbanization have impacts on high PM2.5 concentrations, while open seas are the main sources of low PM2.5 concentrations.

Source analysis and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) in total suspended particulate matter (TSP) from Bengbu, China

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in total suspended particulate matter (TSP) samples collected from October, 2021 to September, 2022 were analyzed to clarify the pollution characteristics and sources of 16 PAHs in the atmospheric TSP in Bengbu City. The ρ(PAHs) concentrations ranged from 1.71 to 43.85 ng/m3 and higher concentrations were detected in winter, followed by spring, autumn, and summer. The positive matrix factorization analysis revealed that, in spring and summer, PAH pollution was caused mainly by industrial emissions, gasoline and diesel fuel combustion, whereas in autumn and winter, it was coal, biomass and natural gas combustion. The cluster and potential source factor analyses showed that long-range transport was a significant factor. During spring, autumn, and winter, the northern and northwestern regions had a significant impact, whereas the coastal area south of Bengbu had the greatest influence in summer. The health risk assessment revealed that the annual total carcinogenic equivalent concentration values for PAHs varied from 0.0159 to 7.437 ng/m3, which was classified as moderate. Furthermore, the annual incremental lifetime cancer risk values ranged from 1.431 × 10-4 to 3.671 × 10-3 for adults and from 6.823 × 10-5 to 1.749 × 10-3 for children, which were higher than the standard.

Characterization and health risk assessment of PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Yangon and Mandalay of Myanmar

To better understand the potential adverse health effects of atmospheric fine particles in the Southeast Asian developing countries, PM2.5 samples were collected at two urban sites in Yangon and Mandalay, representing coastal and inland cities in Myanmar, in winter and summer during 2016 and 2017. The concentrations of 21 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 were determined using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentrations of PAHs in PM2.5 in Yangon and Mandalay ranged from 7.6 to 180 ng m-3, with an average of 72 ng m-3. The PAHs were significantly higher in winter than in summer, and significantly higher in Mandalay than in Yangon. The health risk analysis of PAHs, based on the toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) calculation, and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment indicated that PM2.5 in Myanmar has significant health risks with higher health risks in Mandalay compared to Yangon. Diagnostic ratios of PAHs, correlation of PAHs with other species in PM2.5 and the positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis showed that TEQ is strongly affected by biomass burning and vehicular emissions in Myanmar. Additionally, it was found that the aging degree of aerosols and air mass trajectories had great influences on the concentration and composition of PAHs in PM2.5 in Myanmar, thereby affecting the toxicity of PM2.5.

Molecular distribution, sources and potential health risks of fine particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during high pollution episodes in a subtropical urban city

Abundance of fine particulate-bound 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated to ascertain its sources and potential carcinogenic health risks in Varanasi, India. The city represents a typical urban settlement of South Asia having particulate exposure manyfold higher than standard with reports of pollution induced mortalities and morbidities. Fine particulates (PM2.5) were monitored from October 2019 to May 2020, with 32% of monitoring days accounting ≥100 μgm-3 of PM2.5 concentration, frequently from November to January (99% of monitoring days). The concentration of 16 priority PAHs varied from 24.1 to 44.6 ngm-3 (mean: 33.1 ± 3.2 ngm-3) without much seasonal deviations. Both low (LMW, 56%) and high molecular weight (HMW, 44%) PAHs were abundant, with Fluoranthene (3.9 ± 0.4ngm-3) and Fluorene (3.5 ± 0.3ngm-3) emerged as most dominating PAHs. Concentration of Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P, 0.5 ± 0.1ngm-3) was lower than the national standard as it contributed 13% of total PAHs mass. Diagnostic ratios of PAH isomers indicate predominance of pyrogenic sources including emissions from biomass burning, and both from diesel and petrol-driven vehicles. Source apportionment using receptor model revealed similar observation of major PAHs contribution from biomass burning and fuel combustion (54% of source contribution) followed by coal combustion for residential heating and cooking purposes (44%). Potential toxicity of B[a]P equivalence ranged from 0.003 to 1.365 with cumulative toxicity of 2.13ngm-3. Among the PAH species, dibenzo[h]anthracene contributed maximum toxicity followed by B[a]P, together accounting 86% of PAH induced carcinogenicity. Incremental risk of developing cancer through lifetime exposure (ILCR) of PAHs was higher in children (3.3 × 10-4) with 56% contribution from LMW PAHs, primarily through ingestion and dermal contact. Adults in contrast, were more exposed to inhale airborne PAHs with cumulative ILCR of 2.2 × 10-4. However, ILCR to PM2.5 exposure is probably underestimated considering unaccounted metal abundance thus, require source-specific control measures.

Source apportionment of PM2.5 in Thailand's deep south by principal component analysis and impact of transboundary haze

Atmospheric particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micron (PM2.5) was evaluated at four sites in the lower southern part of Thailand during 2019-2020 to understand the impact of PM2.5 transport from peatland fires in Indonesia on air quality during the southwest monsoon season. Mass concentration and chemical bound-PM, including carbon composition, e.g., organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and inorganic elements, were analyzed. The PM2.5 emission sources were identified by principal components analysis (PCA). The average mass concentrations of PM2.5 in the normal period, which represents clean background air, from four sites was 3.5-5.1 µg/m3, whereas during the haze period, it rose to 5.4-13.5 µg/m3. During the haze period, both OC and EC were 3.5 times as high as in the normal period. The average total PAHs and BaP-TEQ of PM2.5 during the haze period were ~ 1.3-1.7 and ~ 1.2-1.9 times higher than those in the normal period. The K concentrations significantly increased during haze periods. SO42- dominated throughout the year. The effects of external sources, especially the transboundary haze from peatland fires, were significantly enhanced, because the background air in the study locations was generally clean. PCA indicated that vehicle emission, local biomass burning, and secondary particles played a key role during normal period, whereas open biomass burning dominated during the haze phenomena. This was consistent with the OC/EC and PAH diagnostic ratios. Backward trajectories confirmed that the sources of PM during the haze period were predominantly peatland fires in Sumatra, Indonesia, due to southwest wind.

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air particles and estimation of the respiratory deposition flux

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmospheric particles constitute a topic of growing health concern. This study aims to calculate PAH concentrations, identify the source, assess the health risk from exposure to carcinogenic PAHs, and the respiratory deposition flux. PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were collected in September 2019 in the urban, semi-urban, and semi-urban-industrial areas of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Pahat, and Bukit Rambai, respectively. A total of 18 PAHs from PM₁₀ and 17 PAHs from PM_2.5 were extracted using dichloromethane and determined using gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The health risk assessment (HRA) calculated included B[a]P equivalent (B[a]P_eq), lifetime lung cancer risk (LLCR), incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), and respiratory deposition dose (RDD). The results show PAHs in PM₁₀ recorded in Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Batu Pahat (UTHM), and Bukit Rambai are 9.91, 8.45, and 9.57 ng/m³, respectively. The average PAHs in PM_2.5 at the three sampling sites are 11.65, 9.68, and 9.37 ng/m³, respectively. The major source of PAHs obtained from the DRs indicates pyrogenic activities for both particle sizes. For PM₁₀, the total B[a]P_eq in DBKL, UTHM, and Bukit Rambai were 1.97, 1.82, and 2.32 ng/m^3, respectively. For PM_2.5 samples, the total B[a]P_eq in DBKL, UTHM, and Bukit Rambai were 2.80, 2.33, and 2.57 ng/m³_, respectively. The LLCR and ILCR show low to moderate risk for all age groups. The RDD of adults and adolescents is highest in both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, followed by children, toddlers, and infants. Overall, we perceive that adults and adolescents living in the urban area of Kuala Lumpur are at the highest risk for respiratory health problems because of prolonged exposure to PAHs in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, followed by children, toddlers, and infants.

Concentrations, phase exchanges and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) In Bursa-Turkey

The present study aimed to determine the pollution levels derived from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air, plant and soil samples and to reveal the PAH exchange at the soil-air, soil-plant and plant-air interfaces. In this context, air and soil samples were collected in approximately 10-day periods between June 2021 and February 2022 from a semi-urban area in Bursa, an industrial city with a dense population. Also, plant branch samples were collected for the last three months. Total PAH concentrations in the atmosphere (∑₁₆PAH) and soil (∑₁₄PAH) ranged from 4.03 to 64.6 ng/m³ and 13-189.4 ng/g DM, respectively. PAH levels in the tree branches varied between 256.6 and 419.75 ng/g DM. In all air and soil samples, PAH levels were low in the summer and reached higher values in the winter. 3-ring PAHs were the dominant compounds, and their distribution in air and soil samples varied between 28.9%-71.9% and 22.8%-57.7%, respectively. According to the results of diagnostic ratios (DRs) and principal component analysis (PCA), both pyrolytic and petrogenic sources were found to be effective in PAH pollution in the sampling region. The fugacity fraction (ff) ratio and net flux (F_net) values indicated that the direction of movement of PAHs was from soil to air. In order to better understand the PAH movement in the environment, soil-plant exchange calculations were also achieved. The ratio of ∑₁₄PAH values measured to modeled concentrations (1.19<ratio<1.52) revealed that the model worked well for the sampling region and produced reasonable results. The ff and F_net levels showed that branches were saturated with PAHs and the direction of PAH movement was from plant to soil. The plant-air exchange results indicated that the direction of movement of PAHs was from plant to air for low molecular weight PAHs and the opposite was true for compounds with high molecular weight ones.

Insights into seasonal-variability of SVOCs, morpho-elemental and spectral characteristics of PM2.5 collected at a dense industrial site: Faridabad, Haryana, India

The development-oriented anthropogenic activities have led to intensive increase in emission of various organic pollutants, which contribute considerably to human health risk. In the present study, chemical, physical and spectral characterisation of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), collected at Faridabad city, in northern India, were examined. Seasonal variation of organic compounds [n-alkanes, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs)], and potential health risk of Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure using toxic equivalency potential (TEQ) approach had been assessed. These showed seasonal average values ranging from 156.4 ± 57.0 ng/m³ to 217.6 ± 72.9 ng/m³, 98.0 ± 21.4 ng/m³ to 177.8 ± 72.8 ng/m³, and 30.9 ± 11.9 ng/m³ to 82.5 ± 29.2 ng/m³, respectively, with the highest value for winter. It is noteworthy that unlike, n-alkanes and PAEs, PAHs were least during spring. The high molecular weight PAHs (BaP, BkF, DahA and IcdP) were found to exhibit higher TEQ values (ranging from 0.7 to 9.7) despite of their lower concentrations. The PAH diagnostic ratio, carbon preference index and total index revealed the enhanced impact of biogenic sources of emissions in comparison to diesel emission sources during winter.

Distinct seasonal variability of source-dependent health risks from PM2.5-bound PAHs and related derivatives in a megacity, southwest China: Implications for the significance of secondary formation

In contrast to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which have been regularly monitored, the source-dependent health risk of their derivatives in ambient environment has not been well understood, especially regarding seasonal variability. In this study, oxygenated and nitrated PAHs (OPAHs and NPAHs) in PM_2.5 samples from different seasons in urban Chongqing were analyzed and compared with PAHs from a human health perspective. Benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentrations (BaP_eq) were annually averaged at 6.13 ± 8.97 ng/m³ (n = 118) in the present study, with highest levels in winter followed by spring, autumn, and summer. The BaP_eq values of OPAHs were higher than PAHs in spring and summer with seasonal averaged value up to 3.7 times of that for PAHs, manifesting significant underestimation of the health impact if only PAHs were considered. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model results suggested that the potential cancer risks were accumulated mostly from inhalation exposure during infancy and adulthood. Furthermore, in comparison with PAHs, OPAHs, mainly 6H-Benzo[c,d]pyren-6-one, had significant contribution to cancer risks (annually averaged at 58.3 %). Source-dependent cancer risks based on positive matrix factorization model denoted secondary formed PAH derivatives as a critical contributor to cancer risk, particularly in spring and summer (attributed to about 61 % of ILCR). The enhanced secondary formation of PAH derivatives during spring and summer was partially justified by diagnostic ratios and further analysis revealed that higher temperature, higher O₃ level, and lower relative humidity besides stronger solar intensity during these two seasons as the most likely causes of this seasonal variation. Results in this study emphasizes that more knowledge on the formation and toxicity of OPAHs is imperative, especially in the context of complex PM_2.5-ozone pollution in China.

PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of a megacity in eastern China: Source apportionment and cancer risk assessment

Ninety-six fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) samples covering four seasons from October 2020 to August 2021 were collected at a 'super' site in Hangzhou, a megacity in eastern China. These samples were analyzed to determine the sources and potential cancer risks to humans of 16 United States Environmental Protection Agency priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The average concentrations of the PAHs in PM_2.5 in autumn, winter, spring, and summer were 8.35 ± 4.90, 27.9 ± 13.6, 8.3 ± 5.97, and 1.05 ± 0.50 ng/m³, respectively, and with an annual average of 11.9 ± 13.2 ng/m3. The source apportionment by positive matrix factorization analysis indicated that, based on the yearly average, the major sources of PAHs were traffic emissions (38.2 %), coal combustion (28.9 %), coke (21.7 %), and volatilization (11.1 %). Strong correlations between high concentrations of carbonaceous aerosols and high-molecular-weight PAHs in winter could be attributed to incomplete combustion. Long-range transport of air from the sea to the southeast resulted in low concentrations of carbonaceous aerosols and low-molecular-weight PAHs in summer. Trajectory clustering and the potential source contribution function both indicated that the Yangtze River Delta was the main source region of PAHs for PM_2.5 in Hangzhou in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, it was dominated by long-range transport from northern China. Lifetime lung cancer risk assessment revealed that the PAHs in PM_2.5 impose moderate human health risks in Hangzhou due to traffic emissions. The results of this study provide important information for policymakers to establish abatement strategies to reduce PAH emissions in Hangzhou, and perhaps other urban centers across China.

Fine and ultrafine particle- and gas-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons affecting southern Thailand air quality during transboundary haze and potential health effects

Distribution of PM_0.1, PM₁ and PM_2.5 particle- and gas-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the 2019 normal, partial and strong haze periods at a background location in southern Thailand were investigated to understand the behaviors and carcinogenic risks. PM₁ was the predominant component, during partial and strong haze periods, accounting for 45.1% and 52.9% of total suspended particulate matter, respectively, while during normal period the contribution was only 34.0%. PM_0.1 concentrations, during the strong haze period, were approximately 2 times higher than those during the normal period. Substantially increased levels of particle-PAHs for PM_0.1, PM₁ and PM_2.5 were observed during strong haze period, about 3, 5 and 6 times higher than those during normal period. Gas-PAH concentrations were 10 to 36 times higher than those of particle-PAHs for PM_2.5. Average total Benzo[a]Pyrene Toxic Equivalency Quotients (BaP-TEQ) in PM_0.1, PM₁ and PM_2.5 during haze periods were about 2-6 times higher than in the normal period. The total accumulated Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risks (ILCRs) in PM_0.1, PM₁ and PM_2.5 for all the age-specific groups during the haze effected scenario were approximately 1.5 times higher than those in non-haze scenario, indicating a higher potential carcinogenic risk. These observations suggest PM_0.1, PM₁ and PM_2.5 were the significant sources of carcinogenic aerosols and were significantly affected by transboundary haze from peatland fires. This leads to an increase in the volume of smoke aerosol, exerting a significant impact on air quality in southern Thailand, as well as many other countries in lower southeast Asia.

Cancer risk assessment and source apportionment of the gas- and particulate-phase of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a metropolitan region in Brazil

A risk assessment and a source apportionment of the particulate- and gas-phase PAHs were conducted in a high vehicular traffic and industrialized region in southeastern Brazil. Higher concentrations of PAHs were found during summer, being likely driven by the contributions of PAHs in the vapor phase caused by fire outbreaks during this period. Isomer ratio diagnostic and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified four potential sources in the region, in which the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model confirmed and apportioned as gasoline-related (31.8%), diesel-related (25.1%), biomass burning (23.4%), and mixed sources (19.6%). The overall cancer risk had a tolerable value, with ∑CR = 4.6 × 10^-5, being ingestion the major via of exposure (64% of the ∑CR), followed by dermal contact (33% of the ∑CR) and inhalation (3%). Mixed sources contributed up to 45% of the overall cancer risk (∑CR), followed by gasoline-related (up to 35%), diesel-related (up to 15%), and biomass burning (up to 10%). The risk assessment for individual PAH species allowed identifying higher CR associated with BaP, DBA, BbF, BaA, and BkF, species associated with gasoline-related and industrial sources. Higher risks were associated with PM_2.5-bound PAHs exposure, mainly via ingestion and dermal contact, highlighting the need for measures of mitigation and control of PM_2.5 in the region.

Meteorological dependence, source identification, and carcinogenic risk assessment of PM2.5-bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in high-traffic roadside, urban background, and remote suburban area

The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) bound to ambient fine Particular Matter (PM2.5) are currently drawing a lot of attention due to their adverse health effects increasing lung cancer risk in humans. In this study, The PM2.5 samples were collected by high volume air samplers simultaneously from three different sites (high-traffic roadside, urban background, and remote suburban) in Tehran, Iran during warm and cold seasons (from July 2018 to March 2019), and 16 PAHs were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Unlike previous studies, a remote suburban area was chosen so as to observe the spatial differentiation in PM2.5-bound PAH characteristics. In high-traffic roadside site, the average concentration of total PM2.5-bound PAHs (ƩPAHs) was 3.7 times the concentration value in remote suburban area. Average (ƩPAHs) ranged from 5.54 ng/m3 for remote suburban area to 20.67 ng/m3 for high-traffic roadside site. In all sites, seasonal trends of PAH concentrations elucidated high concentrations in the cold season and low concentrations in the warm season. Correlation analysis between ƩPAHs and atmospheric factors (meteorology parameters and criteria air pollutants) indicated the heterogeneous processes play an important role in the level of PAHs. The results of diagnostic ratio (DR) analysis disclosed that the dominant source of PM2.5-bound PAHs was the combustion of liquid fossil fuels. Despite the fact that incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) via inhaling PM2.5-bound PAHs varied significantly in high-traffic roadside site and remote suburban site, its value was beyond the acceptable risk level in both sites. Our results suggested that effective regulations are needed to monitor PAHs concentrations and reduce PAHs emissions from liquid fossil fuel combustion so as to mitigate the potential carcinogenic risk of PAHs in ambient air.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-022-00821-2.

A scoping review on the health effects of smoke haze from vegetation and peatland fires in Southeast Asia: Issues with study approaches and interpretation

Smoke haze due to vegetation and peatland fires in Southeast Asia is a serious public health concern. Several approaches have been applied in previous studies; however, the concepts and interpretations of these approaches are poorly understood. In this scoping review, we addressed issues related to the application of epidemiology (EPI), health burden estimation (HBE), and health risk assessment (HRA) approaches, and discussed the interpretation of findings, and current research gaps. Most studies reported an air quality index exceeding the 'unhealthy' level, especially during smoke haze periods. Although smoke haze is a regional issue in Southeast Asia, studies on its related health effects have only been reported from several countries in the region. Each approach revealed increased health effects in a distinct manner: EPI studies reported excess mortality and morbidity during smoke haze compared to non-smoke haze periods; HBE studies estimated approximately 100,000 deaths attributable to smoke haze in the entire Southeast Asia considering all-cause mortality and all age groups, which ranged from 1,064-260,000 for specified mortality cause, age group, study area, and study period; HRA studies quantified potential lifetime cancer and non-cancer risks due to exposure to smoke-related chemicals. Currently, there is a lack of interconnection between these three approaches. The EPI approach requires extensive effort to investigate lifetime health effects, whereas the HRA approach needs to clarify the assumptions in exposure assessments to estimate lifetime health risks. The HBE approach allows the presentation of health impact in different scenarios, however, the risk functions used are derived from EPI studies from other regions. Two recent studies applied a combination of the EPI and HBE approaches to address uncertainty issues due to the selection of risk functions. In conclusion, all approaches revealed potential health risks due to smoke haze. Nonetheless, future studies should consider comparable exposure assessments to allow the integration of the three approaches.

Discrimination of the geographical origins of rice based on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Over the past few decades, several techniques have been applied to identify the geographical origins of rice products. In this study, the chemical characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was carefully conducted by analysing PAHs in rice samples collected from private sector planting areas located in Bali and Yogyakarta, Indonesia (i.e. ID; n = 20), west sides of Malaysia (i.e. MY; n = 20), Mandalay, Legend, Myingyan, Myanmar (i.e. MM; n = 20), northern parts of Lao PDR (i.e. LA; n = 20), central parts of Cambodia (i.e. KH; n = 20), northern parts of Vietnam (i.e. VN; n = 20), and Thailand (i.e. TH; n = 22). Percentage contributions show the exceedingly high abundance of 5-6 ring PAH congeners in rice samples collected from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. Lao PDR rice samples were overwhelmed by 4-ring PAH congeners with the percentage contribution of 46% followed by 5-6 ring PAHs (33%) and 3-ring PAHs (21%). In addition, hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis can successfully categorize some rice samples based on its geographical origins.

Pah levels in the soil-litter-vegetation-atmosphere system of Atlantic Forest remnants in Southeast Brazil

Although the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a hotspot for biodiversity conservation, it is one of the most fragmented biomes in Brazil and also affected by air pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The study aimed at measuring the PAH levels in leaf trees, litter, soil, and atmosphere of two Atlantic Forest remnants impacted by air pollutants during summer and winter periods; identifying emission sources; and investigating the relationship among the PAH concentrations in the soil, litter, leaves, and atmosphere. Site 1 is situated in the largest South American city, with rainy summers and dry winters, and characterized by intense urbanization. Site 2 is situated in a large forest continuum and is characterized by wet climate with no defined dry seasons. It is more distant from the anthropogenic urban sources than site 1, but closer to an industrial complex. No differences were detected for PAH amounts (summer + winter) in the particles and wet deposition fluxes between sites. In site 1, the highest concentrations of PAHs in the particles were measured during the winter while in the leaf trees were measured during the summer. PMF model showed that sites 1 and 2 receive PAHs mainly from vehicle emissions and industrial activities, respectively. The accumulation of heavier compounds in soil and leaves via wet deposition was more evident in site 2. PAHs were mainly stored in the soil of site 1, contrasting with site 2, where they were retained in litter, which were attributed to disturbances of decomposer community and reduced decomposition rates.

The Influence of Environmental Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Exposure on DNA Damage among School Children in Urban Traffic Area, Malaysia

This study aimed to investigate the association between particulate PAHs exposure and DNA damage in Malaysian schoolchildren in heavy traffic (HT) and low traffic (LT) areas. PAH samples at eight schools were collected using a low volume sampler for 24 h and quantified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Two hundred and twenty-eight buccal cells of children were assessed for DNA damage using Comet Assay. Monte-Carlo simulation was performed to determine incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and to check the uncertainty and sensitivity of the estimated risk. Total PAH concentrations in the schools in HT area were higher than LT area ranging from 4.4 to 5.76 ng m^-3 and 1.36 to 3.79 ng m^-3, respectively. The source diagnostic ratio showed that PAHs in the HT area is pyrogenic, mainly from diesel emission. The 95th percentile of the ILCR for children in HT and LT area were 2.80 × 10^-7 and 1.43 × 10^-7, respectively. The degree of DNA damage was significantly more severe in children in the HT group compared to LT group. This study shows that total indoor PAH exposure was the most significant factor that influenced the DNA damage among children. Further investigation of the relationship between PAH exposure and genomic integrity in children is required to shed additional light on potential health risks.

Seasonal occurrence, source apportionment, and cancer risk assessment of PAHs in the second largest international holy metropolitan: Mashhad, Iran

Street dust resuspension is one of the main sources of particulate matter with impacts on air quality, health, and climate. This research was aimed to determine the concentration, source, and health risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in street dust of Mashhad city. To this end, USEPA-regulated 16 PAHs were measured in 84 dust samples using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The source of Σ16PAHs was identified using diagnostic ratios (DRs), positive matrix factorization (PMF), and principal component analysis (PCA). The measured Σ16PAHs demonstrated different spatial concentrations (from 1,005 to 9,138.96 μg kg-1) and showed higher levels in summer (1,206.21-9,138.96 μg kg-1), although 4-ring PAHs exhibited maximum levels in both summer and winter. The findings revealed that the dust-deposited PAHs are predominantly emitted through combustion of fossil fuels (such as diesel and gasoline) and natural gas. The total incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was assessed by considering three possible exposure routes separately for children and adults and calculated carcinogenic risk values of 2.24E-06 and 2.14E-06, respectively. ILCR is above the baseline value (1.0E-06) for children and adults in both seasons.

Size-fractionated PM-bound PAHs in urban and rural atmospheres of northern Thailand for respiratory health risk assessment

Size-fractionated particulate matters (SPMs) in a range of 9.0 to 0.43 μm, classified based on aerodynamic diameter (d_ae) as fine PMs (0.43 μm ≤ d_ae < 2.1 μm) and coarse PMs (2.1 μm ≤ d_ae < 9.0 μm) were collected by cascade impactors (7 fractions) during smoke haze (SH) and non-smoke haze (NSH) seasons in urban and rural areas of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Their polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compositions were determined for respiratory health risk assessment. During SH episode, concentrations of SPMs and PAHs in the rural area were approximately two times higher than in the urban area and about 62-68% of the SPMs were fine particles. Conversely, during NSH season the concentrations in the urban area were higher due to traffic emission. The finest particle sizes (0.65-0.43 μm) contained the highest PAHs concentrations among the other PM sizes. Benzo[b]fluoranthene was a main PAH component found during SH season suggesting biomass burning is a major pollutant source. High molecular weight (5-6 rings) PAHs with high carcinogenicity were likely to concentrate in fine particles. Distribution patterns of SPMs and PAHs during SH season were bimodal with the highest peak at a fine size range (0.65-0.43 μm) and a small peak at a coarse size range (5.8-4.7 μm). Respiratory health risk was estimated based on toxicity equivalent concentrations of PAHs bound-SPMs and inhalation cancer risk (ICR). Relatively high ICR values (1.14 × 10^-4 (rural) and 6.80 × 10^-5 (urban)) were found during SH season in both areas, in which fine particles played an important role. It revealed that high concentration of fine particles in ambient air is related to high respiratory health risk due to high content of carcinogenic substances.

The Influence of Traffic-Related Air Pollution (TRAP) in Primary Schools and Residential Proximity to Traffic Sources on Histone H3 Level in Selected Malaysian Children

This study aimed to investigate the association between traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposure and histone H3 modification among school children in high-traffic (HT) and low-traffic (LT) areas in Malaysia. Respondents' background information and personal exposure to traffic sources were obtained from questionnaires distributed to randomly selected school children. Real-time monitoring instruments were used for 6-h measurements of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PM₁, NO₂, SO₂, O₃, CO, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC). Meanwhile, 24-h measurements of PM_2.5-bound black carbon (BC) were performed using air sampling pumps. The salivary histone H3 level was captured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HT schools had significantly higher PM₁₀, PM_2.5, PM₁, BC, NO₂, SO₂, O₃, CO, and TVOC than LT schools, all at p < 0.001. Children in the HT area were more likely to get higher histone H3 levels (z = -5.13). There were positive weak correlations between histone H3 level and concentrations of NO₂ (r = 0.37), CO (r = 0.36), PM₁ (r = 0.35), PM_2.5 (r = 0.34), SO₂ (r = 0.34), PM₁₀ (r = 0.33), O₃ (r = 0.33), TVOC (r = 0.25), and BC (r = 0.19). Overall, this study proposes the possible role of histone H3 modification in interpreting the effects of TRAP exposure via non-genotoxic mechanisms.

Ambient Levels, Emission Sources and Health Effect of PM2.5-Bound Carbonaceous Particles and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the City of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

With increasing interest in understanding the contribution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) to particulate air pollution in urban areas, an exploratory study was carried out to determine levels of carbonaceous aerosols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PM2.5 samples were collected using a high-volume sampler for 24 h in several areas in Kuala Lumpur during the north-easterly monsoon from January to March 2019. Samples were analyzed for water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC). Secondary organic carbon (SOC) in PM2.5 was estimated. Particle-bound PAHs were analyzed using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Average concentrations of WSOC, OC, and EC were 2.73 ± 2.17 (range of 0.63–9.12) µg/m3, 6.88 ± 4.94 (3.12–24.1) µg/m3, and 3.68 ± 1.58 (1.33–6.82) µg/m3, respectively, with estimated average SOC of 2.33 µg/m3, contributing 34% to total OC. The dominance of char-EC over soot-EC suggests that PM2.5 is influenced by biomass and coal combustion sources. The average of total PAHs was 1.74 ± 2.68 ng/m3. Source identification methods revealed natural gas and biomass burning, and urban traffic combustion as dominant sources of PAHs in Kuala Lumpur. A deterministic health risk assessment of PAHs was conducted for several age groups, including infant, toddler, children, adolescent, and adult. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of PAH species were well below the acceptable levels recommended by the USEPA. Backward trajectory analysis revealed north-east air mass brought pollutants to the studied areas, suggesting the north-easterly monsoon as a major contributor to increased air pollution in Kuala Lumpur. Further work is needed using long-term monitoring data to understand the origin of PAHs contributing to SOA formation and to apply source-risk apportionment to better elucidate the potential risk factors posed by the various sources in urban areas in Kuala Lumpur.

The Health Risks of Airborne Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Upper North Thailand

Every year, Northern Thailand faces haze pollution during the haze episode. The particulate matter (PM), including fine fraction (PM2.5), a coarse fraction (PM2.5-10), and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), was measured in six provinces in upper north Thailand during the haze and non-haze episodes in 2018. Eighty-three percent of the PM2.5 measurements (21.8-194.0 µg/m3) during the haze episode exceeded the national ambient air quality standard in Thailand. All 16 PAHs were detected in the study area in both periods. The average concentration of total PAHs (particle-bound and gas-phase) during the haze episode was 134.7 ± 80.4 ng/m3, which was about 26 times higher than those in the non-haze (5.1 ± 9.7 µg/m3). Naphthalene and acenaphthene were the dominant PAHs in the gas phase; whereas, indeno[123-cd] pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, and Benzo[ghi]Perylene were dominant in the particle-bound phase. The estimated inhalation excess cancer risk from PAHs exposure was 9.3 × 10-4 and 2.5 × 10-5 in the haze episode and non-haze, respectively. Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis revealed that PAHs were derived from mixed sources of vehicle emission and solid combustion in the haze episode and vehicle emission in the non-haze period. High pollution levels of PM and large cancer risk attributable to the exposure of PAHs in the haze episode suggest urgent countermeasures to reduce the source emission, especially from the solid combustion in the area.

Exposure to Particulate PAHs on Potential Genotoxicity and Cancer Risk among School Children Living Near the Petrochemical Industry

This study aimed to assess the association of exposure to particle-bound (PM_2.5) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with potential genotoxicity and cancer risk among children living near the petrochemical industry and comparative populations in Malaysia. PM_2.5 samples were collected using a low-volume sampler for 24 h at three primary schools located within 5 km of the industrial area and three comparative schools more than 20 km away from any industrial activity. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometer was used to determine the analysis of 16 United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) priority PAHs. A total of 205 children were randomly selected to assess the DNA damage in buccal cells, employing the comet assay. Total PAHs measured in exposed and comparative schools varied, respectively, from 61.60 to 64.64 ng m^-3 and from 5.93 to 35.06 ng m^-3. The PAH emission in exposed schools was contributed mainly by traffic and industrial emissions, dependent on the source apportionment. The 95th percentiles of the incremental lifetime cancer risk estimated using Monte Carlo simulation revealed that the inhalation risk for the exposed children and comparative populations was 2.22 × 10^-6 and 2.95 × 10^-7, respectively. The degree of DNA injury was substantially more severe among the exposed children relative to the comparative community. This study reveals that higher exposure to PAHs increases the risk of genotoxic effects and cancer among children.

Characterization of adipogenic, PPARγ, and TRβ activities in house dust extracts and their associations with organic contaminants

In this study, we sought to expand our previous research on associations between bioactivities in dust and associated organic contaminants. Dust samples were collected from central NC homes (n = 188), solvent extracted, and split into two fractions, one for analysis using three different bioassays (nuclear receptor activation/inhibition and adipocyte development) and one for mass spectrometry (targeted measurement of 124 organic contaminants, including flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Approximately 80% of dust extracts exhibited significant adipogenic activity at concentrations that are comparable to estimated exposure for children and adults (e.g. ~20 μg/well dust) via either triglyceride accumulation (65%) and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation (50%). Approximately 76% of samples antagonized thyroid receptor beta (TRβ), and 21% activated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Triglyceride accumulation was significantly correlated with TRβ antagonism. Sixty-five contaminants were detected in at least 75% of samples; of these, 26 were correlated with adipogenic activity and ten with TRβ antagonism. Regression models were used to evaluate associations of individual contaminants with adipogenic and TRβ bioactivities, and many individual contaminants were significantly associated. An exploratory g-computation model was used to evaluate the effect of mixtures. Contaminant mixtures were positively associated with triglyceride accumulation, and the magnitude of effect was larger than for any individually measured chemical. For each quartile increase in mixture exposure, triglyceride accumulation increased by 212% (RR = 3.12 and 95% confidence interval: 1.58, 6.17). These results suggest that complex mixtures of chemicals present in house dust may induce adipogenic activity in vitro at environmental concentrations and warrants further research.

Exposure to Atmospheric Particulate Matter-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Health Effects: A Review

Particulate matter (PM) is a major factor contributing to air quality deterioration that enters the atmosphere as a consequence of various natural and anthropogenic activities. In PM, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a class of organic chemicals with at least two aromatic rings that are mainly directly emitted via the incomplete combustion of various organic materials. Numerous toxicological and epidemiological studies have proven adverse links between exposure to particulate matter-bound (PM-bound) PAHs and human health due to their carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. Among human exposure routes, inhalation is the main pathway regarding PM-bound PAHs in the atmosphere. Moreover, the concentrations of PM-bound PAHs differ among people, microenvironments and areas. Hence, understanding the behaviour of PM-bound PAHs in the atmosphere is crucial. However, because current techniques hardly monitor PAHs in real-time, timely feedback on PAHs including the characteristics of their concentration and composition, is not obtained via real-time analysis methods. Therefore, in this review, we summarize personal exposure, and indoor and outdoor PM-bound PAH concentrations for different participants, spaces, and cities worldwide in recent years. The main aims are to clarify the characteristics of PM-bound PAHs under different exposure conditions, in addition to the health effects and assessment methods of PAHs.

A preliminary study on humic-like substances in particulate matter in Malaysia influenced by Indonesian peatland fires

In this paper, ambient total suspended particulates (TSP) with a focus on humic-like substances (HULIS) are characterized based on intensive ground-based field samplings collected in Malaysia during non-haze and haze periods caused by peatland fires on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Furthermore, concentrations of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and carbon content of HULIS (HULIS-C) were determined, and fluorescence spectra of the HULIS samples were recorded by excitation emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy. The concentrations of WSOC and HULIS-C over the entire period ranged from 4.1 to 24 and 1.3 to 18 μgC m^-3, respectively. The concentrations of WSOC and HULIS-C during the peatland fire-induced strong haze periods were over 4.3 and 6.1 times higher, respectively, than the average values recorded during the non-haze periods. Even during the light haze periods, the concentrations of WSOC and HULIS-C were significantly higher than their averages during the non-haze periods. These results indicate that peatland fires induce high concentrations of WSOC, particularly HULIS-C, in ambient TSP at receptor sites. EEM fluorescence spectra identified fulvic-like fluorophores at the highest intensity level in the EEM fluorescence spectra of the haze samples. A peak at excitation/emission (Ex/Em) ≈ (290-330)/(375-425) nm is also observed at high intensity, though this peak is normally associated with marine humic-like fluorophores. It is shown that a peak at Ex/Em ≈ (290-330)/(375-425) nm is not derived from marine sources only; furthermore, peatland fires are shown to be important contributors to HULIS around this peak.

Spatial distribution of fine and coarse particulate matter during a southwest monsoon in Peninsular Malaysia

This study aimed to determine the spatial distribution of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ collected in four regions (North, Central, South and East Coast) of Peninsular Malaysia during the southwest monsoon. Concurrent measurements of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were performed using a high volume sampler (HVS) for 24 h (August to September 2018) collecting a total of 104 samples. All samples were then analysed for water soluble inorganic ions (WSII) using ion chromatography, trace metals using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The results showed that the highest average PM_2.5 concentration during the sampling campaign was in the North region (33.2 ± 5.3 μg m^-3) while for PM₁₀ the highest was in the Central region (38.6 ± 7.70 μg m^-3). WSII recorded contributions of 22% for PM_2.5 and 20% for PM₁₀ mass, with SO₄^2- the most abundant species with average concentrations of 1.83 ± 0.42 μg m^-3 (PM_2.5) and 2.19 ± 0.27 μg m^-3 (PM₁₀). Using a Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model, soil fertilizer (23%) was identified as the major source of PM_2.5 while industrial activity (25%) was identified as the major source of PM₁₀. Overall, the studied metals had hazard quotients (HQ) value of <1 indicating a very low risk of non-carcinogenic elements while the highest excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was recorded for Cr VI in the South region with values of 8.4E-06 (PM_2.5) and 6.6E-05 (PM₁₀). The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) calculated from the PAH concentrations was within the acceptable range for all regions.

Suspended fine particulate matter (PM2.5), microplastics (MPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air: Their possible relationships and health implications

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and their associated microcontaminants have been linked to increased harmful effects on the human health. In this study, the possible relationships between PM_2.5, microplastics (MPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in an urban area of Bushehr port, in the northern part of the Persian Gulf. Presence, sources, and health risks of MPs and PAHs in both normal and dusty days were also investigated. The median of PM_2.5 and ƩPAHs were 52.8 μg/m³ and 14.1 ng/m³, respectively, indicating high pollution levels especially in dusty days. The mean level of MPs in urban suspended PM_2.5 was 5.2 items/m³. Fragments were the most abundant shape of identified MPs and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the most plastic types in urban dust of Bushehr port. The results revealed that PM_2.5 and MPs may possibly act as a carrier for airborne MPs and PAHs, respectively. In addition, the significant positive relationships between MPs, wind speed and wind direction, confirmed that the MPs transportation were highly controlled by atmospheric condition. Moreover, the source identification methods and trajectory analyses indicated that petrogenic sources from both proximal and distal origins play an important role in the level of PAHs. The results of chronic health risk evaluation via inhalation revealed that PM_2.5-bound PAHs had high potential cancer risk in winter, while, the estimated risks for non-carcinogenic PAHs were not considerable. In the case of MPs, the assessment of human intake of MPs via inhalation highlighted the possible risks for habitants.

Insight into monsoon for shaping the air quality of Islamabad, Pakistan: Comparing the magnitude of health risk associated with PM10 and PM2.5 exposure

Monsoon plays a determinant role in defining the air quality of many Asian countries. Filter-based 24 h ambient PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 sampling was performed by using two paralleled medium volume air samplers during pre-and post-monsoon periods. A negligible change in PM_2.5 mass concentration from 45.77 to 44.46 µg/m³ compared to PM₁₀ from 74.34 to 142.49 µg/m³ was observed after the monsoon season. The air quality index (AQI) results showed that the air quality of the city retained from good to slightly polluted in both periods, where PM_2.5 remained as the main detrimental to air quality in 95% of the total days. The NOAA HYSPLIT model analysis and wind rose patterns showed air trajectories, especially in post-monsoon originated from relatively polluted areas transported higher PM₁₀. Meteorological attributes indicated a more conducive atmospheric condition for secondary pollution in the pre-monsoon. Evidence showed post-monsoon as a more polluted period, compared to the pre-monsoon and would pose an extra 1.07 × 10^-3 lifetime risk to the local population. Similarly, a higher level of PM₁₀ in the post-monsoon caused 43% more premature mortality and 41% more deaths from all-cause mortality compare to the pre-monsoon period, respectively. Implications: Pakistan is an under-developing country where pollution monitoring studies are decidedly limited. Notably, studies, concise PM_2.5 and health assessment are deficient. The present study may contribute to evaluating the air quality in special events such as monsoon and can also provide scientific and technical support for subsequent air pollution research. Moreover, the results help to develop adequate prevention and pollution control strategies and offer policy suggestions for monsoon observing countries in general and in particular, in Islamabad, Pakistan. These findings provide essential arguments in favor of educating people and raising awareness about the detrimental health effects of air pollution. Improving the quality of life of people with cardiovascular and respiratory disorders requires an immediate and substantial reduction of air pollution.

Fate of PM2.5-bound PAHs in Xiangyang, central China during 2018 Chinese spring festival: Influence of fireworks burning and air-mass transport

Variations of levels, possible source and air mass transmission were investigated for 16 USEPA priority-controlled PAHs in PM_2.5 during 2018 Chinese Spring Festival (CSF) in Xiangyang City, central China which is the North-South pollutant airmass transport channel of China. Totally 37 samples were collected. Mass concentrations of Σ₁₆PAHs for the Pre-CSF day (Pre-CSFD), during the CSF day (CSFD) and after the CSF day (Af-CSFD) are 33.78 ± 17.68 ng/m³, 22.98 ± 6.49 ng/m³, and 8.99 ± 4.44 ng/m³, respectively. High resolution samples showed that Σ₁₆PAHs are higher in the morning (06:00-11:00) or afternoon (11:30-16:30), than those in the evening (17:00-22:00) and at night (22:30-05:30), whereas the result is reversed during the CSFD. Fireworks burning can obviously increase the mass concentration of PAHs. Air mass trajectory indicated that Xiangyang is a sink area of pollutants for northwest and southeast, and the sources of the northeast and southwest. The air mass only can be transmitted out through northeast and southwest. It is effective for improvement of air quality in Wuhan and Hunan to control fireworks emission in Henan and local areas. Fireworks burning was an important source for PAHs during CSFD, biomass, coal combustion, and traffic emission were the main sources of PAHs for Pre-CSFD and Af-CSFD periods. The health risk on the CSFD was higher than the acceptable levels, especially during the intensive fireworks burning, the risk value far exceed 1.0 × 10^-4, controlling burning fireworks is required.

Size-distribution-based assessment of human inhalation and dermal exposure to airborne parent, oxygenated and chlorinated PAHs during a regional heavy haze episode

The adverse health effects of haze and particle-bound contaminants in China have recently caused increasing concern, and particle size plays a significant role in affecting human exposure to haze-correlated pollutants. To this background, size-segregated particulate samples (nine size fractions (<0.4, 0.4-0.7, 0.7-1.1, 1.1-2.1, 2.1-3.3, 3.3-4.7, 4.7-5.8, 5.8-9.0 and > 9.0 μm) were collected in three scale-gradient cities in northern China and analysed for a series of parent, oxygenated and chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, O-PAHs and Cl-PAHs). The total geometric mean concentrations of PAHs and O-PAHs for Beijing, Zhengzhou and Xinxiang were 98.1 and 27.2, 77.9 and 77.5, 41.0 and 30.7 ng m^-3, respectively, which were 50-200 times higher than those for Cl-PAHs (0.5, 0.7 and 0.4 ng m^-3). Though unimodal size-distribution patterns were found for all these contaminants for these three cities, PAHs represented distinctly higher concentration levels around the peak fraction (0.7-2.1 μm) than O-PAHs and Cl-PAHs. With 4-6 ring PAHs as dominant components in all samples, the percentage proportion of 2-3 ring PAHs (ranging from 1% to 26%) generally increased with particle size increasing, implying the sources of these compounds varied little among the 9 size fractions in all three cities. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) model and permeability coefficient method were synchronously applied to the size-segregated data for inhalation and dermal exposure assessment to intensively estimate the human exposure doses to airborne PAHs. Further, the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was calculated and it's found that ILCR from inhalation was higher than that from dermal uptake for children and adults in Beijing and Zhengzhou, while the ILCR for Xinxiang presented a contrary pattern, revealing dermal uptake to be an equally significant exposure pathway to airborne PAHs compared to inhalation.

Nationwide health risk assessment of juvenile exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the water body of Chinese lakes

The high emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose a serious threat to the lake ecosystem and human health, and the human health risk assessment of PAH exposure is expected as an urgent project in China. This paper focused on 44 Chinese lakes in 6 lake zones to investigate the occurrence, composition and source of 19 PAHs in water body and estimate the human health risk under PAH exposure. The "List of PAH Priority Lakes" in China was generated based on the combination of incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model and Monte Carlo simulation. Our results showed that the Σ₁₇ PAHs ranged from 3.75 ng·L^-1 to 368.68 ng·L^-1 with a median of 55.88 ng·L^-1. Low-ring PAHs were the predominant compounds. PAH profiles varied significantly at lake zone level. Diagnostic ratios showed that PAHs might derive from petroleum and coal or biomass combustion. Benzo[a]pyrene-equivalent toxic concentrations (BaPeq) of the Σ₁₇ PAHs ranged from 0.07 ng·L^-1 to 2.26 ng·L^-1 (0.62 ± 0.52 ng·L^-1, mean ± standard deviation) with a median of 0.47 ng·L^-1. Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and benzo[e]pyrene (BeP) were the main toxic isomers. Juvenile exposure to PAHs via oral ingestion (drinking) and dermal contact (showering) had negligible and potential health risks, respectively. Juveniles were the sensitive population for PAH exposure. 15 lakes were screened into the "List of PAH Priority Lakes" in three priority levels: first priority (Level A), moderate priority (Level B) and general priority (Level C). Lake Taihu, Lake Chaohu and Lake Hongze were the extreme priority lakes. Optimizing the economic structures and reducing the combustion emissions in these areas should be implemented to reduce the population under potential health risk of PAHs.

Source apportionment and toxicity assessment of PM2.5-bound PAHs in a typical iron-steel industry city in northeast China by PMF-ILCR

This study was designed to evaluate the occurrence and variation in concentrations, sources and cancer risk of PM_2.5-bound PAHs. Airborne PM_2.5-bound PAHs were sampled during a one-year campaign (2014-2015) in Anshan city, a typical iron and steel city in northeast China. A total of 374 PM_2.5 samples were collected. A source-oriented positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and PAH diagnostic ratios were used to investigate the potential sources of PAHs in the atmospheric environment of Anshan, and the lifetime cancer risk of the population associated with PAHs through inhalation exposure was assessed by a PMF-ILCR model. Concentrations of PM_2.5 and 16 PAHs ranged from 13.55 μg/m³ to 315.96 μg/m³ and 5.08 ng/m³ to 520.02 ng/m³, respectively. These values were higher in winter. PAH content from stationary sources and biomass combustion was higher than from other sources. Through the coefficient of divergence and localized PAH diagnostic ratio methods, we concluded that PM_2.5-bound PAHs in Anshan originated mainly from the following sources: biomass combustion, vehicle emissions, fugitive dust, coking dust and natural gas emissions. Based on the source-oriented PMF model, coal combustion, fugitive dust, vehicle emissions, coking dust, and biomass combustion were the main sources contributing to PM_2.5, accounting for 26.3%, 24.6%, 21.9%, 18.0%, and 6.3% of PM_2.5, respectively. According to the PMF-ILCR model results, ILCR risks estimated for adults and children were respectively 1.19 × 10^-5 and 8.55 × 10^-6 in winter, higher than in other seasons, and higher than the threshold value (10^-6). Together, vehicle emissions (diesel exhaust and gasoline exhaust), coal combustion and coking dust, contributed to over 86% of the cancer risk associated with PM_2.5-bound PAHs exposure in Anshan.

Characteristics and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with dust in household evaporative coolers

This study reports a characterization of indoor polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with dust (dust-PAHs) in household evaporative coolers and their associated health effects. Extensive analysis showed that the indoor dust-PAHs stemmed mostly from pyrogenic sources (vehicular emissions) with mean total concentrations limited between 131 and 429 ng g^-1. The distribution pattern of PAHs based on number of rings exhibited the following order of decreasing relative abundance: 4 > 3 > 5 > 6 > 2 rings. Results indicate that the mutagenicity of dust-PAHs exceeded their carcinogenicity, but that the potential carcinogenic effects are still significant. The mean lifetime cancer risk for different age groups for three pathways based on Model 2 (dermal (1.39 × 10^-1 to 1.91 × 10^-2), ingestion (2.13 × 10^-3 to 8.08 × 10^-3) and inhalation (1.62 × 10^-7 to 4.06 × 10^-7)) was 7.4-146 times higher than values predicted by Model 1 (dermal (5.13 × 10^-5 to 3.03 × 10^-3), ingestion (9.34 × 10^-5 to 1.31 × 10^-3) and inhalation (7.13 × 10^-20 to 1.68 × 10^-20)). Hence, exposure to dust-PAHs in household evaporative coolers lead to high risk, especially for children (less than 11 years) (HQ = 2.71 × 10^-20 to 54.8 and LTCRs = 7.13 × 10^-20 to 1.39 × 10^-1). Strategies should be considered to eliminate such pollutants to protect people, especially children, from the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects by changing household evaporative coolers with other cooling systems.

The impact of heating season factors on eight PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations and cancer risk in Beijing

In 2015, 443 atmospheric PM_2.5 samples were collected at five sampling sites in Beijing. The concentrations of PM_2.5-bound PAH₈ (Chr, BaA, BbF, BkF, B[a]P, DBA, BghiP, and IND) were determined via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The annual concentration of PM_2.5-bound PAH₈, lifetime cancer risk, and the increasing value due to heating season factors (heating and meteorological conditions) were analyzed. The results showed that the sum concentration of PM_2.5-bound PAH₈ during heating season was 72.6 ng/m³ and higher than the non-heating season concentration of 4.77 ng/m³. The annual concentration was 10.6 ng/m³, which increased 5.83 ng/m³ due to heating season factors. The B[a]P annual concentration was 1.67 ng/m³ and higher than the limit of 1 ng/m³, which was 15.2 times that of non-heating season. Diesel vehicles and gasoline vehicles were the primary PAH₈ sources during non-heating season, while the mixed sources of diesel vehicles, gasoline vehicles, and combustion were the dominant PAH₈ sources during heating season. The most significant health hazard pollutant was B[a]P, which accounted for 72%, 74%, and 69% of the B[a]P equivalent concentration (B[a]Peq) of PAH₈ during heating season, non-heating season, and throughout 2015, respectively. The lifetime cancer risk was 2.67 × 10^-6, which increased 1.36 × 10^-6 due to heating season factors. Therefore, heating season factors nearly doubled the annual concentration of PM_2.5-bound ∑PAH₈ and lifetime cancer risk. The results indicated that to protect human health, it is very important to control PM_2.5-bound ∑PAH₈ emissions during heating season, especially B[a]P emissions.

Efficacy evaluation of Qingyan formulation in a smoking environment and screening of anti-inflammatory compounds

Qingyan formulation (QF) is a common preparation that is often used to control inflammation in the haze environment. However, the efficacy and effective constituents of QF are still uncertain and difficult to identify. This paper aims to evaluate the efficacy by simulating a haze environment and determine its anti-inflammatory compounds by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS combing with bioactivity screening. The therapeutic effect of QF in the simulated haze environment was confirmed from the aspects of lung histomorphology and inflammatory factor expression levels. QF showed strong anti-inflammatory activity with the minimum effective concentration reaching 1.5 g/kg. Potential anti-inflammatory components were screened by the NF-κB activity assay system and simultaneously identified based on mass spectral data. Then, the potential active compounds were verified by molecular biological methods, the minimum effective concentration can reach 0.1 mg/L. Six structural types of NF-κB inhibitors (phenolic acid, scopolamine, hydroxycinnamic acid, flavonoid, dihydroflavone and steroid) were identified. Further cytokine assays confirmed their potential anti-inflammatory effects of NF-κB inhibitors. This strategy clearly demonstrates that QF has a significant therapeutic effect on respiratory diseases caused by haze, so it is necessary to promote its commercialization and wider application.