Association Between 1-Hydroxypyrene and Common Mental Health Problems Among Urban Traffic Wardens in Kolkata City, India

Air pollution exposure significantly affects the central nervous system and contributes to various mental health issues. Traffic wardens are subjected to increased workplace exposure to numerous air contaminants, notably polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), resulting in a heightened risk of mental health issues. This study was carried out to estimate urine levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as a biomarker of PAH exposure and to assess its association with mental health among traffic wardens working in the traffic department. A total of 250 wardens participated in the study, with 237 being males and 13 being females; 3.80% of traffic workers reported depression, 12.20% had anxiety symptoms, and 11.00% had stress among the male group. The mean 1-OHP level was 0.25 ± 0.16 µmol/mol creatinine among the male population. Comparing three psychological-distress measures with 1-OHP levels showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation with depression and stress. Additionally, urinary 1-OHP was positively associated with depression (β = 4.26, 95% CI: 2.81–5.71, p < 0.01), anxiety (β = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.29–4.55, p < 0.01) and stress (β = 5.20, 95% CI: 2.59–7.81, p < 0.01) after adjustment for age, education, diet, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. In addition to the regression models, increases of 17.30% in depression, 13.90% in anxiety, and 12.70% in stress scores were significant at p < 0.05. Exposure to PAHs through increased 1-OHP was found to be associated with mental health conditions like depression and stress.