Endocrine Disruptors in Pm2.5 in a Typical Petrochemical City: Pollution Characteristic and Health Risk Assessment of Paes and Bpa in Dongying

Abstract

Phthalates (PAEs) and bisphenol A (BPA) are two typical environmental endocrine disruptors that have a variety of adverse effects on human health. In this study, we analyzed the pollution characteristics of six PAEs and BPA in PM2.5 in Dongying, a typical petrochemical city, from 27 October to 6 December 2021, and assessed the health risks associated with these pollutants. The results showed that the concentrations of PAEs and BPA were 1152 ng/m3 and 3.7 ng/m3, respectively, during the observation period. These levels were higher than the average levels of observed in most cities in China and abroad. The potential health risks associated with exposure to PAEs and BPA were assessed using a number of indicators, including average daily dose of non-carcinogens (ADD), lifetime average daily dose of inhaled carcinogens (LADD), non-carcinogenic risk (NCR), carcinogenic risk (CR), and hazard index (HI). The results demonstrated that children had significantly higher potential risks than adults, although the observed risks were low overall. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain a heightened awareness of the potential health risks associated with PAEs and BPA. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first comprehensive characterization and health risk assessment of endocrine disrupters in the atmospheric environment of a typical petrochemical city. The work can provide data and scientific support for future management of emerging contaminants.

Keywords: PAEs, BPA, Pollution Characteristic, health risks