Concentrations, particle-size distributions, and indoor/outdoor differences of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a middle school classroom in Xi’an, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) attached to particulate matter can affect respiratory health, especially the health of children, but information on the air quality in schools is generally lacking. This study investigated the PAH concentrations in a naturally ventilated classroom in Xi’an, China, from 16 to 31 May 2012. Particulate PAH concentrations were measured for samples collected on five-stage cascade impactors deployed inside the classroom and outside. PM2.5-bound PAH concentrations were 53.2 ng m−3 indoors and 72.9 ng m−3 outdoors. PAHs attached to very fine particles (VFPs) accounted for ~70 % of the total PAHs. The PAH concentrations indoors were affected by the students’ activities, cleaning, and smoking, while outdoors, the main sources were motor vehicle emissions and contaminated road dust. Particle-bound PAHs infiltrated the classroom through open windows, but the activities of the students and staff were also associated with an increase of PAHs attached to particles larger than 1.0 µm, most likely through resuspension. Cycles in the sources led to PAH concentrations 2–3 times higher on weekdays compared to weekends, both indoors and outdoors. PAH toxicity risks inside the classroom were substantially lower than those outdoors, and the highest risks were associated with VFPs.