Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Household Dusts: Distribution, Sources, and Health Risk Assessment from Rural Areas in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

The present study investigated the concentrations, sources, and potential health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in house dust from residences in Samoeng District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Samples of house dust from 48 households were analyzed for 16 PAHs. The total concentrations of PAHs (ΣPAHs) ranged between 270.1 to 45,386.8 ng g−1, with a mean of 3942.4 ± 8175.1 ng g−1. Pyrene (Pyr), benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF), and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (IcdP) were the predominant compounds. Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) showed wood and the burning of biomass as the predominant sources. Evaluations of incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) showed higher risks, especially for children (average ILCR = 6.57 × 10−3), with dermal contact as the main exposed pathway. Risks exceeded acceptable criteria (10−6 to 10−4), suggesting serious public health problems. The results highlight the significance of pollution mitigation measures, such as reducing the use of biomass combustion and improving indoor air quality, for protecting vulnerable populations in rural regions. The research conducted presents important insights into the environmental health impacts of PAHs in residences and shows the importance of public health procedures that can reduce exposure.