No abstract

Arsenic is a ubiquitous carcinogen and mutagen that has created serious human health problems around the world. It is released into the environment from both anthropogenic and natural sources [1]. Many studies have demonstrated anthropogenic sources such as the combustion of fuels, and the use of pesticides contributes As at three times higher levels than natural ones [2]. As toxicity and migration are significantly correlated with its speciation and oxidation state in the environment. In general, inorganic As species are more toxic than organic As species, As 2 O 3 (As(III)) is more toxic than As 2 O 5 (As(V)). As exposure has been reported to be related to several types of cancer, including skin, lung, and urinary bladder [3][4]. Therefore, it has aroused a global concern and substantial investigation in various environments in past decades.Humans are exposed to As through oral ingestion, such as food and water, but inhaled exposure is thought to be another important As source in industrial areas. It was reported that As concentration in air from urban and industrial districts was significantly higher than those in rural areas [4]. Previous studies indicated that more than 90% of atmospheric As exists mainly in fine airborne Pol. J. Environ. Stud. Vol. 26, No. 2 (2017) , respectively.