Zhou X, Jin K, Qiu S, et al. - A high level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure was significantly associated with increased prevalence of KS in this analysis of data from the general population of the U.S. The association between PAHs exposure and KS was shown to be especially significant among females.

• From NHANES 2007–2016, a sample of 8975 eligible individuals was identified.

• Significant positive correlations of 2-hydroxynaphthalene and 9-hydroxyfluorene with the prevalence of KS were evident even post-adjustment for confounding variables, with ORs 1.38 and 1.39, respectively.

• Significant increase in KS incidence was observed with the increase of total PAHs burden.

• Female participants exhibited more significant correlation between PAHs exposure and KS.

• There were significant associations of higher 2-hydroxynaphthalene (OR 1.94), 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (OR 1.57) and 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (OR 1.85) with the increased incidence of KS in females.