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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)- Human Health Risks

PAHs have been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals when exposed through their food, from breathing contaminated air and when it was applied to their skin. Reproductive problems were observed in the offspring of pregnant mice that were fed high doses of PAHs. However, these effects have not been observed in people.

PAHs are a large class of chemicals which range from nontoxic to extremely toxic. Their toxicity, and therefore the amount of the PAH needed to cause a health effect, is dependent upon the type of PAH. Seven types of PAHs have been deemed probable human carcinogens by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For further information:

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Priority Substances List Assessment Report

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Canadian Soil Quality Guidelines

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

World Health Organization

 

 

 

Last Revised/Reviewed
Friday, 2010-04-16 2:21 PM