Ambient air concentrations of lung carcinogens and fine particles in north west suburban Adelaide: Implications for public health

Abstract

The North Western region of Adelaide is a shared residential and industrial area with elevated lung cancer mortality up to twice that of metropolitan averages. This study aims to quantify current airborne carcinogen concentrations in the region, compare them with health based exposure guidelines, and use them as an indicator of potential future respiratory risk. Carcinogens and fine particulates with potential industrial sources in the region were monitored in five locations. Average concentrations were within guidelines. However, diesel exhaust particulate and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were elevated at sites in proximity to heavy vehicle traffic. Diurnal variations in PM2.5 included weather and traffic-related short term peaks at most sites, and other peaks potentially related to industrial activity. The data suggest that there is not a significant public health risk at present. However, these results are unlikely to be indicative of previous exposures relevant to contemporary lung cancer cases due to changes in industrial activity since 1970. Further studies should investigate the health significance of the observed short-term peaks.