Work

Personal and Residential Outdoor Passive Sampling Reveal Variability in Potential PAH Exposure: A Case Study from Santiago, Chile

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Air quality management in Santiago (Chile) primarily relies on measuring atmospheric particulate matter and other criteria pollutants. This data is generated mostly by fixed-site outdoor monitoring stations, and the results are used to estimate population exposure. However, this approach may not be able to capture individual variability arising from differences in personal behaviors and microenvironmental transitions. Here we conducted an exploratory case study using residential outdoor polyurethane foam passive samplers and personal silicone wristbands to evaluate the potential polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure patterns among a limited number of residents of Santiago (Chile). Our results suggested that outdoor passive samplers and personal silicone wristbands revealed different but complementary PAH concentration patterns. Outdoor passive samplers captured regional spatial variability, whereas personal samplers revealed greater heterogeneity among individuals even when sharing the same residential environment. These findings support the value of integrating personal passive sampling into future assessment studies in urban environments of Chile.

Source: Atmosphere

DOI: 10.3390/atmos17070650

Authors: Raquel Saavedra, Carlos A. Manzano

Institutions: University of Chile, San Diego State University

Language: English

Topic: Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896