Assessment of Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Suspended Particles (PM2.5) Generated by the Burning of Biomass in an Indigenous Area in the State of San Luis Potosí, México

Abstract

The domestic use of firewood represents a socio-ecological condition that causes important health effects, mainly in rural areas of developing countries. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in women and children, as well as the concentration of PM2.5 inside dwellings of indigenous people who reside in Tocoy, San Antonio, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. With the results, the perspective of parents for making decisions with regards to the environmental health of children due to risks of exposure to toxins was analyzed. 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) was used as an exposure biomarker to PAHs, and the 24-hour PM2,5 was measured inside indigenous dwellings using Minivol^® equipment. 100 % of the studied dwellings used biomass for cooking and 70 % burned garbage in their homes. Levels of 1-OHP of 1.15 (0.28-2.1) and 1.04 (0.28-3.62) μmol/ mol creatinine were found in women and children respectively. In addition, mean PM2.5 concentrations of 93.3 ± 3.6 μg/m³ were detected. Finally, it was shown that 90 % of caregivers say that children spend more time in the kitchen area and the backyard, which are poorly or not adapted to child safety. This indigenous community is an example of the health risks associated with indoor air pollution in Mexico. Therefore, intervention programs aimed at reducing exposure to these toxins in vulnerable populations are required, starting with the education of caregivers.