Characterisation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with indoor PM_0.1 and PM_2.5 in Hanoi and implications...

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with indoor PM pose a high risk to human health because of their toxicity. A total of 160 daily samples of indoor PM_2.5 and PM_0.1 were collected in Hanoi and analysed for 15 PAHs. In general, the concentrations of carcinogenic PAHs (car-PAHs) accounted for 21% ± 2%, 19.1% ± 2%, and 26% ± 3% of the concentrations of 15 PAHs in PM_2.5, PM_0.1-2.5, and PM_0.1, respectively. Higher percentages of car-PAHs were found in smaller fractions (PM_0.1), which can be easily deposited deep in the pulmonary regions of the human respiratory tract. The concentrations of 15 PAHs were higher in winter than in summer. The most abundant PAH species were naphthalene and phenanthrene, accounting for 11%-21% and 19%-23%, respectively. The PAH content in PM_0.1 was almost twice as high as those in PM_2.5 and PM_0.1-2.5. Principal component analysis found that vehicle emissions and the combustion of biomass and coal were the main outdoor sources of PAHs, whereas indoor sources included cooking activities, the combustion of incense, scented candles, and domestic uses in houses. According to the results, 60%-90% of the PM_0.1-bound BaP_(eq) was deposited in the alveoli region, whereas 63%-75% of the PM_2.5-bound BaP_(eq) was deposited in head airways (HA), implying that most of the particles deposited in the HA region were PM_0.1-2.5. The contributions of dibenz[a,h]anthracene and benzo[a]pyrene were dominant and contributed from 36% to 51% and 31%-50%, respectively, to the carcinogenic potential, whereas benzo[a]pyrene contributed from 30% to 49% to the mutagenic potential for both size fractions. The incremental lifetime cancer risk, simulated by Monte Carlo simulation, was within the limits set by the US EPA, indicating an acceptable risk for the occupants. These results provide an additional scientific basis for protecting human health from exposure to indoor PAHs.