Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Respiratory Toxicity: A Review

Abstract : Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants primarily associated with chronic respiratory illness. Increased epidemiological findings necessitate a concentrated effort to raise awareness regarding the influence of air quality on the prevalence of highlighted PAHs in airborne particles. PAHs have been associated with respiratory problems including asthma, asthma exacerbation, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema The review gives an insight into the recent PAHs exposure and its toxicity effects on the respiratory system. A literature search across four scientific databases yielded 120 relevant studies, including articles analyzing urinary concentrations of various persistent PAHs and their biomarkers. The study also highlighted the risk posed by PM2.5-PAHs conjugates in causing mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, teratogenesis, disrupting signalling pathways resulting in oxidative stress, acute and/or chronic respiratory morbidity, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. The study further emphasizes PAHs’ and their metabolites’ significant toxicity to the respiratory system, inducing AhR/nonAhR interlinked signalling mechanisms that lead to oxidative stress, immune system damage, asthma/COPD, and cancer. In conclusion, the study predominantly indicates positive correlations between PAHs and respiratory toxicity.