Individual exposure characteristics and health effects of PM_2.5 and PM_0.25 combined polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives under different heating methods in Fen-Wei Plain

Personal exposure (PE) to PAHs and their derivatives in PM_2.5 and PM_0.25 was studied among rural housewives in the Fenwei Plain, China. Fifteen households were divided into five groups based on fuel and heating device used: biomass briquette-furnace (BBF), biomass-elevated Kang (BEK), outdoor lump coal-boiler (OLC), indoor briquette coal-stove (IBC), and electricity (ELE). PE concentrations of PAHs and biomarkers were determined. Biomass groups had 2.2 and 2.0 times higher PE concentrations of total PAHs in PM_2.5 and PM_0.25, respectively, compared to coal groups. Cancer risks from PAHs in PM_2.5 exceeded safety thresholds in BBF and BEK groups. Biomass groups showed strong correlations between o-PAHs in PM and biomarkers, while coal groups showed correlations between n-PAHs in PM_0.25 and biomarkers. Biomass users faced higher health impacts than coal users. This study provides evidence of PAH exposure and health hazards, guiding measures for solid fuel use in northern China.