Risk assessment and predictors of the exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Spanish adults by urinary human biomonitoring

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are produced primarily during incomplete combustion of organic matter and in various industrial processes. They are widespread environmental pollutants that are of significant interest due to their potential toxicity. Humans can be exposed to PAHs through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. In the present study, ten urinary PAH biomarkers were determined in first-morning urine samples (n = 504) from the adult population (aged 18–65 years) residing in the Valencian Region of Spain. These samples were analysed using liquid-liquid extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). All PAH biomarkers were quantified in more than 65 % of the urine samples. Naphthalene biomarkers, 1-hydroxynaphthalene (1OHNAP) and 2-hydroxynaphthalene (2OHNAP), exhibited the highest levels with geometric means (GMs) of 0.7 and 11.9 μg L−1, respectively. The 95th percentile of all PAH biomarkers ranged from 0.22 to 64.8 μg L−1. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) for the analysed PAH families in the studied population ranged from 17 (pyrene) to 18581 (naphthalene) ng·kg-bw−1·day−1 (GM). Significant associations were observed between the quantified urinary metabolites of PAHs and smoking status, home location, annual household incomes, BMI, and the consumption of grilled food in the last 24 h. Hazard quotients (HQs) of naphthalene and consequently, hazard indexes (HIs) were above 1, especially for smokers. Therefore, potential health risks associated with PAH exposure in the target population could not be discarded. [Display omitted] •Overall, PAH biomarkers were quantified in more than 65 % of the urine samples.•The highest biomarkers levels and EDIs were found for naphthalene.•Smoking status was the predominant factor of PAH exposure.•HQs of naphthalene, and consequently, HIs were above 1, especially for smokers.•Risk assessment suggests that health risks could not be discarded.