| Summary: | Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of compounds consisting of two or
more fused aromatic rings. Most of them are formed during incomplete combustion of organic
materials such as wood and fossil fuels, petroleum products, and coal. The composition of
PAH mixtures varies with the source and is also affected by selective weathering effects in the
environment. PAHs are ubiquitous pollutants frequently found in a variety of environments
such as fresh water and marine sediments, the atmosphere, and ice. Due to their widespread
distribution, the environmental pollution due to PAHs has aroused global concern. Many
PAHs and their epoxides are highly toxic, mutagenic and/or carcinogenic to microorganisms
as well as to higher forms of life including humans. The main aim of this review is to provide
contemporary information on PAH sources, route of exposure, worldwide emission rate, and
adverse effects on humans, especially with reference to cancer.
|
|---|