Compositional Difference and Health Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons over the Coal Spontaneous Combustion Zone

In this study, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prioritized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), associated pollution level, and health risks were assessed in a typical coal spontaneous combustion zone Rujigou mine Northwestern China. This study used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect chemical composition, spatial variation, distribution profiles, impact of combustion, PAHs. The entire area is divided into three zones according different features: (C-zone), living (L-zone), non-spontaneous (N-zone). results showed that: (1) highest concentrations measured C-zone, average PAHs N-zone, L-zone 13.28 ng·m−3, 9.56 7.67 respectively. (2) mainly composed ring five (3) EPA positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis qualitative source apportionment that production was major atmospheric all zones, followed by combustion. (4) inhalation higher potential cancer risk for children than adults, C-zone much greater other zone. adverse impacts with PAH exposure indicates need mitigation measures control region.