Studying the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on peripheral arterial disease in the United States.

•This study used urinary biomarkers, i.e. metabolites of PAHs, as objective measurements of exposure.•The effects of PAHs on peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were examined among a large population-based sample.•Our study for the first time suggests that exposure to PAHs may increase the risk of PAD independent of smoking.