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Predictors of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and internal dose in inner city Baltimore children

Kamau O Peters1, D' Ann L Williams1, Salahadin Abubaker1

  • 1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
|December 15, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and outdoor air pollution increase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) internal dose in children. Spending time in non-smoking homes reduced PAH exposure, while outdoor time increased it for boys.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from incomplete combustion are linked to asthma in urban children.
  • PAHs are often found on particulate matter (PM), posing inhalation risks.
  • Assessing internal PAH dose is crucial for understanding health impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between time spent indoors/outdoors and airborne PAH exposure in children.
  • To measure internal PAH dose using urinary 1-hydroxypyrene-glucuronide (1-OHPG).
  • To explore the influence of secondhand smoke (SHS) on PAH exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Study involved 118 children (aged 5-12) in Baltimore, MD over four seasons.
  • Daily activities, indoor nicotine, and PM concentrations were monitored.
  • Urinary 1-OHPG levels were measured as a biomarker for internal PAH dose.

Main Results:

  • Time in non-smoking homes correlated with significantly lower urinary 1-OHPG levels.
  • Secondhand smoke exposure significantly increased urinary 1-OHPG concentrations.
  • Time spent outdoors was associated with higher urinary 1-OHPG in boys only.

Conclusions:

  • Secondhand smoke and ambient air pollution are significant contributors to internal PAH dose in urban children.
  • Reducing SHS exposure and mitigating outdoor air pollution are important for children's health.
  • Environmental factors significantly impact children's PAH exposure and potential health risks.

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