Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Environmental Persistence and Human Health Risks

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of organic compounds generated during the incomplete combustion of organic materials, such as coal, oil, and biomass. PAHs are highly persistent in the environment and pose significant health risks due to their genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties. This review provides an overview of PAH formation, environmental accumulation, and the main human exposure pathways, including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. It highlights the toxicological effects of PAHs on various systems of the human body, such as the nervous, respiratory, reproductive, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Acute exposure to PAHs can cause symptoms such as eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while chronic exposure is associated with cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, and reproductive dysfunction. Although most research relies on animal studies, the findings suggest that PAHs may cause severe harm to humans through mechanisms like DNA damage. Due to the limitations of extrapolating animal-based studies to human health, future researches should more thoroughly explore the specific mechanisms by which PAHs affect human health to address the challenges posed by PAH pollution.