POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS - EVALUATION OF RISKS TO HEALTH FROMENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE IN CANADA

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are included on the List of Pr iority Substances to be assessed under the Canadian Environmental Prot ection Act. On the basis of available results of carcinogenicity bioas says, the 5 PAHs considered in this assessment [benzo(a)pyrene, benzo( b)fluoranthene, benzo(j)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene and indeno( 1,2,3-cd)pyrene] have been classified as ''probably carcinogenic to hu mans''. Based on comparison of levels of PAHs in ambient air in Canada with estimates of their carcinogenic potency by two limited approache s, the priority for analysis of options to reduce exposure of the gene ral population is considered to be moderate to high, compared to that of other substances assessed in the Priority Substances program. Recom mendations for research to enable a more complete assessment are inclu ded.