Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

The quality of indoor and outdoor air is one of the most discussed topics nowadays, as it is an important parameter influencing human health. Exposure to various health-hazardous atmospheric pollutants may result in various adverse health effects. To understand the relationship between air quality and health, it is important to study pollutants that have the most hazardous effects on human health. In that regard, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are one of the most important pollutants. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the largest known group of carcinogens that are ubiquitously found in the environment (air, water, soils and sediments). The scientific evidence available up to this date indicates that exposure to PAHs in various occupational environments can lead to health burdens among exposed workers being considerably higher than those for general population. In particular, industrial processes that involve the pyrolysis or combustion of coal production and use of coal-derived products are the major sources of PAHs. Thus, this chapter is dedicated to occupational exposure to PAHs. A discussion on PAHs is given covering their major aspects. The work also focuses on exposures to PAHs in various PAH-related occupations and associated health effects.