Human activities release toxic metals into the environment. These metals pollute the soil, air, and water, which leads to the contamination of animals and plants. For the general population, food is the main route of exposure, and metals will accumulate in various organs depending on their specificity. There is strong evidence of a link between exposure to metals and the incidence of chronic diseases. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of metal toxicity are far to be understood. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a more profound understanding of the impact of metal pollution on human health. This understanding is essential for alerting public authorities and implementing new strategies to prevent it.

The aim of this Collection is to present an overview of recent data on metal toxicity related to cell dysfunction and disease progression, and to propose new studies or hypothesis. This collection is expected to include a variety of studies on toxic metals to which humans may be exposed in connection with environmental pollution. A particular emphasis will be placed on elucidating the mechanisms by which these metals are transported across the plasma membrane. Additionally, the impact of intracellular accumulation of these metals on the disruption of cell function at the metabolic, genomic, or signaling pathway levels will be examined. These studies may concern cellular or integrated models.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3.

Keywords: metal toxicology, metal poisoning, ion channels, transporters, cell signaling pathway, chronic diseases

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a diverse group of organic compounds characterized by multiple fused aromatic rings. These compounds primarily arise from the incomplete combustion of organic materials, which can occur in various contexts, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and natural events such as wildfires and volcanic eruptions. PAHs are pervasive in the environment; they have been detected in air, soil, water, and sediments, and can enter the food chain, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification.

The formation and persistence of PAHs in the environment are largely influenced by their hydrophobic nature, which causes them to adhere to particulate matter. This affinity facilitates their transport and enhances their stability, raising significant concerns about their long-term effects on both human health and ecosystems. Epidemiological studies and toxicological research have linked PAH exposure to a variety of adverse health outcomes, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and several forms of cancer. Their potential carcinogenic, mutagenic, and endocrine-disrupting properties have been extensively studied, emphasizing the critical need for a deeper understanding of their toxicological mechanisms and exposure pathways.

As environmental pollution escalates, particularly in the context of urbanization and industrialization, addressing the challenges posed by PAHs becomes increasingly urgent. New industrial practices and energy transitions aimed at combating climate change may inadvertently lead to increased PAH emissions, underscoring the importance of ongoing research in this area. By elucidating the complex interactions between PAHs and biological systems, we can gain valuable insights into their impacts and develop effective strategies for risk mitigation.

We invite researchers to contribute to this Collection, which serves as a platform for advancing knowledge on the toxicological implications of PAHs. We encourage submissions that explore a wide range of topics, including environmental fate, human exposure assessments, mechanistic studies, and risk characterization, with the ultimate goal of informing effective regulatory measures and public health interventions.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Mechanisms of PAHs toxicity

- Human health risk assessments for PAHs exposure

- Environmental fate and transport of PAHs

- Strategies for PAHs remediation

- Novel analytical techniques for PAHs detection

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3.

Keywords: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; PAHs; exposure assessment; toxicology; mechanism of action; health effect; risk assessment; bioanalysis; bioavailability