Conference paper

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Air in Croatia

Anica Šišović ; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds with two or more benzene rings. They are a product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and other organic matter. PAHs are present in low concentrations in the air, especially in summer. However, the fact that many were found to have a mutagenic or carcinogenic effect drew more attention to them. Hundreds of PAHs have been identified in the air with BaP dominating in frequency and cancerogenic properties. The review describes an assessment of exposure to PAHs in 15 subjects through comparison between recorded PAH levels and time spent in various microenvironments and directly measured personal exposure. The average results did not significantly differ, but the BaP levels were close to or a little above guidelines for the limit value. This finding calls for immediate measures to reduce emissions of PAH.

Keywords

benzo-a-pyren; exposure; limit values; particulate matter; profiles; recommended values

Hrčak ID:

65665

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/65665

Publication date:

26.7.2000.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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