J Environ Sci (China). 2026 May;163:37-47. doi: 10.1016/j.jes.2025.10.018. Epub 2025 Oct 14.
ABSTRACT
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are well-known for their adverse health effects and have garnered significant global attention. This study assessed the levels of ten monohydroxy metabolites of PAHs (OH-PAHs), derived from naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and pyrene, in urine samples collected from 495 elderly individuals in southern China. OH-PAH concentrations ranged from 0.134 to 183 ng/mL, with OH-Nap (the monohydroxy metabolite of naphthalene) being the most prevalent, accounting for 76.8 % of total metabolites. Significant correlations were observed between urinary OH-PAH levels and demographic factors including gender, smoking, and alcohol consumption, with smoking emerging as the strongest determinant. Regression analyses indicated that steaming significantly reduced PAH exposure (e.g., for 1-OHNap: β = -0.103, 95 % CI: -0.67, -0.04, p < 0.05), while dietary factors, such as fish, mycorrhizal algae, soy products, and coarse grains, influenced OH-PAH concentrations (p < 0.05). Monte Carlo simulations revealed a hazard index below the safety threshold of 1 and an overall carcinogenic risk ranging from 6.40 × 10⁻⁸ to 1.05 × 10⁻⁴, with approximately 85 % of individuals exceeding the acceptable carcinogenic risk threshold (lg(CR) > -6), primarily due to pyrene and naphthalene, which together accounted for 87.2 % of the total. This study delineates the link between PAH metabolites and dietary habits, uncovering health risks for the elderly population in the region. It provides a scientific basis for environmental health and pollution prevention policies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of PAHs on environmental and public health.
PMID:41887855 | DOI:10.1016/j.jes.2025.10.018
