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Public health burden of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the East African environment: a systematic review

Godswill J. UdomBiomolecules, Metagenomics, Endocrine and Tropical Disease Research Group (BMETDREG), Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka, UgandaNicodemus NiwamanyaBiopharmaceutic Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka, UgandaOmoirri Moses AziakponoDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, PMB 373, Oye-Ekiti, NigeriaNita-wills G. UdomDepartment of Public Health, Faculty of Science and Technology, Cavendish University, Kampala, UgandaH. MalathiDepartment of Biotechnology and Genetics, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to Be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, IndiaHarshit GuptaCentre for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, IndiaShirin ShomurotovaDepartment of Chemistry Teaching Methods, Tashkent State Pedagogical University Named After Nizami, Bunyodkor Street 27, Tashkent, UzbekistanIlemobayo Victor FasogbonDepartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, UgandaHope OnohueanBiomolecules, Metagenomics, Endocrine and Tropical Disease Research Group (BMETDREG), Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka, UgandaPatrick Maduabuchi AjaDepartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka-Bushenyi, UgandaOrish Ebere OrisakweAdvanced Research Centre, European University of Lefke, Lefke, Northern Cyprus, TR-10 Mersin, TurkeyFatima RazakiDepartment of English, College of Education, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, IraqJerome O. NriaguDepartment of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USAKhursheed MuzammilDepartment of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushait, King Khalid University, 62561, Abha, Saudi Arabia

Environmental Sciences Europejournal2025en

ABI

Annotatsiya

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic substances formed during the incomplete burning of organic matter, and they pose major threats to human health and the environment. This systematic review assesses the public health burden of PAH exposure in East Africa, focusing on sources, health effects, and mitigation strategies. East Africa is experiencing rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and increasing reliance on biomass fuels, all of which contribute to elevated environmental PAH levels. Despite these developments, the region remains underrepresented in global PAH risk assessments, with limited localized data guiding policy and public health responses. This geographic focus is thus critical to identify context-specific exposure sources, assess the unique vulnerabilities of East African populations, and support targeted mitigation strategies aligned with regional socioeconomic and environmental realities. Using the PRISMA framework, studies were screened for quality and bias via the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and JBI checklists, with 20 out of 183 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Key exposure sources include biomass and fossil fuel combustion, urban air pollution, industrial emissions, occupational hazards, and dietary intake. Vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and low-income urban dwellers, face heightened risks, including the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, adverse birth outcomes, and neurodevelopmental impairments. Despite growing concerns, policy gaps, weak enforcement of air quality standards, and limited public awareness hinder effective mitigation. Therefore, urgent interventions are needed, including clean energy adoption, urban air pollution control, industrial regulations, and stronger public health policies. To address PAH exposure in East Africa, a multi-sectoral approach integrating policy reforms, community engagement, and sustainable environmental practices to protect public health is imperative.

Hali tarjima qilinmagan

Mavzular

Energy and Environment Impacts Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact Air Quality and Health Impacts

Identifikatorlar

DOI: 10.1186/s12302-025-01193-8

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