DefinePK

Abstract

Environmental consequences of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were studied to evaluate possible human health risks, subsequent cancer probabilities and remediation tools for their eradication. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are generated globally through incomplete combustion of organic materials and emitted in the environment by various anthropogenic routes including residential heating, coal gasification, liquefying plants, cooking practices, thermal distillation of petroleum and coal, oil spills, ships embankments, incomplete burning of fossil fuels, forest fires, asphalt, engines and vehicles exhaust. Their high lipophilicity and marked tendency for localization in body fats made them easily absorbed through dermis, nasal mucosa and gastrointestinal tract of mammals. The reviewed data show estimated carcinogenic potency equivalent concentrations exceeding the screened value for food stuffs including fish species indicating significant carcinogenic health risks associated with the consumption of fishes. Many remedial measures have been taken to exterminate persistent organic pollutants including PAHs out of which bio-remediation being comparatively safer and economical methodology.
Keywords: