Soil concentrations and soil-air exchange of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in five Asian countries

•A total of 47 PAHs were analyzed in soil samples collected in 169 sites from five Asia countries.•Significant positive correlations were found between PAH concentrations and soil organic content.•BaPeq concentrations frequent exceeded the guide lines level.•PAHs concentrations in Chinese soil strong influence by proximity to source region.•Soil has become a secondary source of some 3- & 4-ring PAHs to the atmosphere.