Adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons onto inhalable particulate matter during the Kuwait oil fires

Abstract

During the Kuwait oil fires (Feb‐Nov., 1991), exposure to inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀) was significant and data on PM₁₀‐bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was scarce. Based on daily measurements of PM₁₀ ambient levels and 4 measurements of associated PAHs (10, 15, 23, and 31 May, 1991), particle adsorption characteristics were utilized to describe the patterns of daily levels of PM₁₀‐bound PAHs in Al‐Mansoria residential area (Kuwait city) during the period 10–31 May, 1991. Contrary to what is currently precieved, low levels of PM₁₀ did not reflect low inhalation exposures to adsorbed PAHs. Patterns of daily levels of PM₁₀‐bound PAHs were more related to the extent of PM₁₀ occupancy by PAHs than to PM₁₀ levels in air.