Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in settled dust of playgrounds in Thessaloniki, Greece: Concentration levels and implications for childhood cancer risk.

Young children may be exposed to chemical pollutants accumulated in settled dust of playgrounds. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), carcinogenic/mutagenic compounds, are an important class of playground dust pollutants originating from various sources. This study investigated PAH concentrations, profiles, and sources in settled dust from public playgrounds in Thessaloniki, Greece, with different flooring materials: synthetic rubber (tartan), sand, and pavement tiles.