Where It Comes From
By-products of burning (vehicle exhaust, wood smoke, coal tar, tobacco smoke); found in soot and tar alongside other PAHs.[1]
How You Are Exposed
Breathing smoky or traffic-related air; skin contact with soot, used motor oil, or coal‑tar–based products; eating heavily charred/grilled foods.[1]
Why It Matters
Several PAHs (e.g., benzo[a]pyrene) are known carcinogens, and benz[a]anthracene is possibly carcinogenic to humans; related methylated PAHs cause tumors in animals.[2]
Who Is at Risk
Smokers; people near heavy traffic or wildfires; workers handling coal tar, asphalt, or diesel exhaust (roofers, pavers, foundry workers).[1]
How to Lower Your Exposure
Avoid or ventilate smoke; keep indoor air clean; limit charring when cooking; wash off soot promptly; use protective gear and controls at work.[1]
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp69.pdf
- [2]IARC Monographs, Volume 92 (2010): Some Non-heterocyclic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Some Related Exposures. International Agency for Research on Cancer. https://publications.iarc.fr/119