Concentrations, Sources, and Potential Human Health Risks of PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs, and PAHs in Rural Atmosphere Around Chemical Plants in Jiangsu Province, China

Concentrations and sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a rural atmosphere near industrial zones in Jiangsu, China were determined and the associated risks were assessed. The concentrations of ΣPCDD/Fs, ΣPCBs, and ΣPAHs ranged from 11.9-57.7 pg·m^-3, 0.58-2.71 pg m^-3, and 11-18 ng m^-3, respectively. Principal component analysis suggested that the contamination of air with PCDD/Fs and PCBs mainly originated from industrial activities and combustion processes. In contrast, the major source of PAHs was the combustion of petroleum, coal, and biomass. These data were used to estimate the exposure of the population living nearby to these persistent organic pollutants and to evaluate the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with their inhalation. Our study are likely to be helpful for developing and implementing regulation strategies for PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs, and PAHs in the atmosphere around industrial and surrounding residential areas.