Measurement of size-segregated airborne particulate bound polycyclic aromatic compounds and assessment of their human health impacts - A case study in a megacity of southwest China.

Abstract Particle size distribution of particulate polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) is one of the important factors controlling human exposure to PACs in air. In this study, size-segregated airborne particle samples were collected in a megacity in southwest China to analyze PACs concentrations and evaluate related health risks. Annual average concentrations of Σ19PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 17.4 ng/m3) and Σ10OPAHs (oxygenated PAHs, 15.3 ng/m3) were one order of magnitude higher than those of Σ9MPAHs (methyl PAHs, 0.97 ng/m3) and Σ27NPAHs (nitrated PAHs, 1.54 ng/m3). More than 55% of PACs masses were associated with fine particles (aerodynamic diameter Dae