Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
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Structure of naphthalene, a PAH
PAHs are formed when materials like gasoline, diesel, tobacco, and wood are burned. They also form when foods are grilled, barbecued, smoked, fried, or roasted.
Hydroxy-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (hydroxy-PAHs) are measured as indicators of exposure to the various PAHs.
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PAHs are found in:
- Tobacco and marijuana smoke, including from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes; and chewing tobacco.
- Exhaust from cars, trucks, and buses, as well as road dust.
- Wood smoke, such as from fireplaces, wood stoves, campfires, and wildfires.
- Exhaust from gas burners, unvented gas fireplaces, and kerosene heaters.
- Smoke from grilling or burning cooking oil or food.
- Food that has been grilled, barbecued, smoked, fried, or roasted, and some teas.
- Liquid smoke seasonings and flavorings.
Possible health concerns of some PAHs:
- May contribute to asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.
- May affect the developing fetus, including effects on growth.
- May reduce fertility and interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
- Can increase cancer risk.
Possible ways to reduce exposure to PAHs:
- Take steps to improve indoor air quality:
- Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in your home or car, or around your child.
- Always use an exhaust fan or open windows when cooking indoors, especially when cooking with oils heated at high temperatures, or whenever using a gas stove.
- Do not use a gas oven or gas burners to heat your home.
- If you cook with barbecues and grills, use them outdoors only.
- Do not idle cars inside garages, especially garages attached to your home.
- Avoid burning wood, especially for home heating.
- Limit how much you eat grilled, barbecued, smoked, fried, or roasted food. Try steaming, boiling, stewing, or poaching your food more often. Avoid burned food.
- Because PAHs can collect in dust:
- Wash your and your child’s hands often, especially before preparing or eating food.
- Clean your floors regularly, using a wet mop or HEPA vacuum if possible, and use a damp cloth to dust.
For More Information
Fact sheet on PAHs:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts69.pdf