Atmospheric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Nitropolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand has been facing increasing levels of air pollution, resulting in adverse health consequences. One of the most serious pollutants is airborne particulate matter (PM). PM contains many inorganic and organic hazardous compounds. Among them, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) are of great concern because of their severe toxicity (carcinogenicity and/or mutagenicity and/or teratogenicity) to humans. This chapter reviews ambient and indoor concentrations of PAHs and NPAHs with a focus on Chiang Mai, Thailand, and discusses their possible emission sources and health risks. In addition, concerning human intake, the concentrations of individual urinary hydroxyPAHs (OHPAHs) were measured in different Thai subjects in order to estimate their PAH exposure. Understanding PAH and NPAH distributions can be useful in order to understand their sources, sinks, and exposure risks to Thai citizens.