Photoirradiation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon diones by UVA light leading to lipid peroxidation

► PAHs in the environment are oxidized into their corresponding PAH-diones. ► UVA irradiation of PAH-diones induced lipid peroxidation in a dose (light) response manner. ► Lipid peroxidation is induced by ROS produced during the irradiation of PAH-diones. ► Photogeneration of ROS was proved by ESR studies and experiments with ROS scavenger or enhancer.