ObjectiveTo systematically review the relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and emotion and behaviors in children and adolescents. MethodsThe PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, CBM, VIP, WanFang Data, OVFT, Proquest Psychological database and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect studies on the relationship between PAHs and emotion and behaviors in children and adolescents from inception to October 20, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. A qualitative systematic review was then performed. ResultsA total of six cohort studies were included, five studies involving maternal exposure during pregnancy, found that maternal exposure to PAHs during pregnancy was associated with an increase in childhood anxiety/depression syndrome, attention problems, social withdrawal, social competence, social problems, orientation/regulation, withdrawal behaviors, and autism-related behaviors. Another study of exposure in school-age children found that PAHs exposure was associated with poorer attention performance in school. Results of other emotional behaviors were inconsistent, or no association was found. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that PAHs have certain effects on emotional behaviors of children and adolescents. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality cohort studies are required to verify above conclusion.
