Occupational exposure to PAHs, PCBs, and VOCs representatives in port-industrial settings: A dual-track approach...

In this study, the personal exposure to SVOCs (PAHs and PCBs) was evaluated using wearable silicone wristbands. The indoor VOC concentrations in port-industrial settings were characterized using Radiello® diffusive samplers. VOC analysis revealed a terpene-dominated indoor profile, with Alpha-Pinene (11.0 ± 2.0 μg·m^-3) and d-Limonene (6.60 ± 0.92 μg·m^-3) indicating strong indoor emission sources. Benzene levels (from 4.09 to 5.82 μg·m^-3) remained well below EU occupational thresholds, ensuring regulatory compliance. Silicone wristbands effectively captured a spectrum of SVOCs, with PCB 52 (ranging from 1.4 to 13 ng·g^-1) and medium-molecular-weight PAHs (Fluorene, Phenanthrene) being most prevalent. The detection of Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and Dibenz[a,h]anthracene confirmed the infiltration of combustion-related pollutants from the adjacent port operations. All measured levels were below EU and US regulatory reference values. These findings validate wearable silicone wristbands as a non-invasive tool for personal multi-residue monitoring in a port-industrial indoor environment. This integrated passive sampling strategy provides a comprehensive fingerprint of occupational exposure, allowing for clear differentiation between indoor-generated VOCs and industrially-derived pollutants, which is essential for effective workplace safety management.