Approaches to carcinogenic risk assessment for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: a UK perspective

Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric particulate samples by microwave‐assisted extraction and liquid chromatography

“…During the period under study, and in the site where the sampling was done, the average level of benzo(a)pyrene in PM 10 was above the legal limit in EU (1 ng/m 3 ) [1] which is a worrying factor. Also, the detection of dibenzo(a,l)pyrene, despite the low levels determined, is of special interest since it is considered one of the most carcinogenic [8].…”

“…Recently and with the aim of minimizing harmful effects on human health and the environment as a whole of airborne PAH, the European Union defined a target value for benzo(a)pyrene: 1 ng/m 3 for the total content in the PM 10 fraction averaged over a calendar year [1]. However, the suitability of benzo(a)pyrene as an indicator of carcinogenic PAHs has been questioned by new findings on the presence of more potent PAHs such as dibenzo(a,l)pyrene [8]. It has been estimated to have a carcinogenic potency that is approximately 100 times that of benzo(a)pyrene [9].…”

Inhalation and dermal exposure to atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and associated carcinogenic risks in a relatively small city

“…Consequently, the use of ambient air concentrations for exposure indoors in this study probably did not introduce a considerable error into the estimated risk levels. Pufulete et al (2004) reported that the use of TEFs is the more preferred method over the comparative potency of mixtures and the use of BaP as a surrogate for the determination of inhalation carcinogenic potencies of relevant PAHs in ambient air. In this approach, toxicity of each PAH compound is expressed relative to the toxicity of BaP, the most studied and potent PAH compound.…”

“…Equivalency Factors (TEFs), the comparative potency of mixtures, and the use of BaP as a surrogate (Pufulete et al, 2004;IPCS, 1998).…”

Traffic-Related Air Pollution: Legislation Versus Health and Environmental Effects

“…In studies that estimate human cancer risk from exposure to complex mixtures of PAHs, benzo[a]pyrene has been commonly used as a substitute for other compounds, due to its strong carcinogenicity. However, some authors have questioned the appropriateness of this approach (Pufulete et al, 2004). The concerns are related to the variability of the compositions of different PAH mixtures.…”