Abstract: Objective To explore the pollution levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） in atmospheric PM_2.5 in Zhuhai City, and to assess the health risks to the population via inhalation exposure. Methods In 2022, from the 10th to the 16th of each month, PM_2.5 samples were collected in three districts of Zhuhai City. The mass concentration of PM_2.5 was measured using the gravimetric method, while the concentrations of 16 types of PAHs were detected using liquid chromatography. Additionally, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks resulting from inhaling PAHs were evaluated. Results In 2022, the concentration of atmospheric PM_2.5 in Zhuhai City was 7.00-80.00 μg/m³, with a median of 19.00 μg/m³ and an annual average of 23.85 μg/m³. The overall concentration of 16 PAHs ranged from 0.43 to 17.99 ng/m³, with a median of 0.68 ng/m³. The median HQ of naphthalene was 4.33×10^-5 and P₉₅ was 1.20×10^-4. The median HQ for benzo [a]pyrene （BaP） was 0.01 and P₉₅ was 0.24. The carcinogenic equivalent concentration of 16 PAHs were calculated using BaP as the reference toxic equivalent factor, the total lifetime excess carcinogen risk （ECR） calculated by P₉₅ was 6.64×10^-7, which was lower than the acceptable level of 1×10^-6. Conclusions The overall concentration of PAHs in atmospheric PM_2.5 in Zhuhai City is relatively low. Besides, both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks posed to the population by exposure to atmospheric PAHs are within acceptable risk thresholds.

Key words: Fine particulate matter, PM_2.5, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Health risk assessment