Work

Temporal variations in health risk indices and combustion-derived components of PM1.0: Focus on terephthalate and levoglucosan

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluated the health risks and chemical composition of PM 1.0 and PM 2.5 in Incheon, South Korea, emphasizing the critical role of particle size in public health impacts. The average concentrations were 10.89 μg/m³ for PM 2.5 and 8.11 μg/m³ for PM 1.0 . PM 1.0 displayed higher proportions of carbonaceous components and water-soluble ions, predominantly formed through photochemical reactions and atmospheric chemistry processes. Health risk assessments, using the Benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalency factor, mutagenic and carcinogenic potential, risk index, and oxidative potential (DTT-OP), indicated that PM 1.0 poses significantly higher health risks per unit mass compared to PM 2.5 . Key components in PM 1.0 , such as levoglucosan and terephthalic acid (TPA), indicate significant contributions from combustion sources like biomass burning and plastic incineration, particularly at night. PM 1.0 showed higher carcinogenic and mutagenic risks than PM 2.5 . The correlation between levoglucosan, PAHs, and TPA supports common combustion origins. Effective management of combustion-related emissions is crucial for reducing health risks associated with PM 1.0 . The overall average risk index for PM 1.0 is 1.30 times higher than PM 2.5 , implying that, on average, PM 1.0 poses a 30% higher health risk across the measured indices compared to PM 2.5 . This study emphasizes the need for targeted management of combustion emissions, particularly those from plastic and fuel combustion, to mitigate the health risks posed by PM 1.0 . Effective control of the precursors contributing to PM 1.0 formation is crucial for reducing the adverse health impacts of air pollution.

Source: Heliyon

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40052