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Abstract(s)
Because polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have
been proven to be toxic, mutagenic, and/or carcinogenic,
there is widespread interest in analyzing and evaluating
exposure to PAHs in atmospheric environments influenced
by different emission sources. Because traffic emissions
are one of the biggest sources of fine particles, more
information on carcinogenic PAHs associated with fine
particles needs to be provided. Aiming to further understand
the impact of traffic particulate matter (PM) on
human health, this study evaluated the influence of traffic
on PM10 (PM with aerodynamic diameter <10 µm) and
PM2.5 (PM with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm), considering
their concentrations and compositions in carcinogenic
PAHs. Samples were collected at one site influenced
by traffic emissions and at one reference site using lowvolume
samplers. Analysis of PAHs was performed by microwave-assisted extraction combined with liquid
chromatography (MAE-LC); 17 PAHs, including 9 carcinogenic
ones, were quantified. At the site influenced by
traffic emissions, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were,
respectively, 380 and 390% higher than at the background
site. When influenced by traffic emissions, the
total concentration of nine carcinogenic compounds
(naphthalene, chrysene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(b)
fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene,
dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, and
dibenzo(a,l)pyrene) was increased by 2400 and 3000% in
PM10 and PM2.5, respectively; these nine carcinogenic
compounds represented 68 and 74% of total PAHs (ƩPAHs)
for PM10 and PM2.5, respectively. All PAHs, including the
carcinogenic compounds, were mainly present in fine
particles. Considering the strong influence of these fine
particles on human health, these conclusions are relevant
for the development of strategies to protect public health.
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Taylor & Francis