title: Increased health risk in Bangkok children exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from traffic-related sources.
abstract: The aim of this study is to assess potential health risk of exposure to particle-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in children living in a megacity with traffic congestion such as Bangkok. The study population comprised 184 Thai schoolboys (aged 8-13 years) attending schools adjacent to high-density traffic areas in Bangkok and schools located in the provincial area of Chonburi. The ambient concentration of total PAHs at roadsides in proximity to the Bangkok schools was 30-fold greater than at roadsides in proximity to the provincial schools (30.39 +/- 5.80 versus 1.50 +/- 0.28 ng/m(3); P < 0.001). Benzo(g,h,i)perylene (BghiP), an indicator of automobile exhaust emission, was the predominant PAH. Personal exposure to total PAHs and the corresponding benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) equivalent concentrations in Bangkok schoolchildren were 3.5-fold higher than in provincial schoolchildren (4.13 +/- 0.21 versus 1.18 +/- 0.09 ng/m(3); P < 0.001 and 1.50 +/- 0.12 versus 0.43 +/- 0.05 ng/m(3); P < 0.001, respectively). The concentration of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HOP) was significantly higher in Bangkok schoolchildren. Bulky carcinogen-DNA adduct levels in peripheral lymphocytes were also significantly higher (0.45 +/- 0.03 versus 0.09 +/- 0.00 adducts/10(8) nt; P < 0.001). Finally, a significantly higher level of DNA strand breaks and a significantly lower level of DNA repair capacity were observed in Bangkok schoolchildren (P < 0.001). This study indicates that Bangkok schoolchildren exposed to a high level of genotoxic PAHs in ambient air may be more vulnerable to the health impacts associated with the exposure to genotoxic pollutants than children in provincial areas and may have increased health risks for the development of certain diseases such as cancer.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Jantamas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tuntawiroon
authors.forename: Chulabhorn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mahidol
authors.forename: Panida
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Navasumrit
authors.forename: Herman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Autrup
authors.forename: Mathuros
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruchirawat
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000528:radiation effects; D002648:Child; D018736:DNA Adducts; D004249:DNA Damage; D004260:DNA Repair; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000633:toxicity*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D001335:Vehicle Emissions
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D018736:DNA Adducts; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D001335:Vehicle Emissions