POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS IN PLACENTA, MATERNAL BLOOD, UMBILICAL-CORD BLOOD AND MILK OF INDIAN WOMEN

Human placenta, umbilical cord blood, maternal blood and breast milk s amples from mothers were analysed for the presence of selected polycyc lic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Benzo(a) pyrene (B(a)P), dibenzo(a,c ) anthracene (DBA) and chrysene (Chy) were detected in all the four ty pes of sample. Levels of dibenzo(a,c)anthracene were higher in the abo ve samples compared with the other two PAHs. Umbilical cord blood and breast milk samples showed relatively high concentrations of all the t hree PAHs and thus demonstrated that the developing foetus/new born we re exposed to these carcinogenic environmental. contaminants. The poss ible implications of PAHs in relation to human health are discussed.