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Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pervasive organic compounds stemming from combustion processes and industrial activities, have raised significant concerns due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment and potential impact on human health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological effects of PAHs on diverse human body systems. Extensively studied for their respiratory toxicity, inhalation exposure to PAHs is associated with asthma, bronchitis, and impaired lung function. Moreover, certain PAHs are identified as carcinogens, heightening the risk of lung cancer. The cardiovascular system is also vulnerable to PAH exposure, as evidence suggests their contribution to oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, pivotal in cardiovascular disease development. PAHs exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties, influencing hormone levels and disrupting reproductive health, correlating with fertility issues, adverse birth outcomes, and developmental abnormalities. Understanding PAH-induced toxicity mechanisms is crucial for developing mitigation strategies. PAHs can directly interact with cellular components, modulate gene expression, induce oxidative stress, and cause DNA damage, leading to cellular dysfunction and apoptosis. This review underscores the ongoing need for research to fully elucidate the physiological effects of PAH exposure on human health. By synthesizing current knowledge, it aims to raise awareness of potential health risks associated with PAHs and stress the importance of preventive measures to reduce exposure. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of PAH-induced physiological impacts will inform the development of effective interventions and policies to safeguard human health in environments where PAH contamination is prevalent. Graphical Abstract
Sombiri et al. (Mon,) studied this question.