Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: physicochemical properties, environmental appearance and impact on living organisms.
Human exposure to environmental pollution is of great interest nowadays. Many substances present in the environment are considered as carcinogenic to humans. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental carcinogens. In this paper, PAHs are described: their physicochemical properties, natural and anthropogenic sources, environmental, dietary and occupational exposure and impact on human health. Metabolical carcinogenic activation of PAHs and the role of metabolism products as biomarkers of PAH exposure have been discussed.
Confocal Microscopy Laboratory, National Institute of Public Health, 30/34 Chełmska, 00-725 Warsaw, Poland.
Katarzyna
K
Skupińska
Irena
I
Misiewicz
Teresa
T
Kasprzycka-Guttman
D002273:Carcinogens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D002273:Carcinogens; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons