Analysis by GC-MS of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a cream containing coal tar

Qualitative and quantitative PAHs composition of a cream containing coal ta r (5 %), used in cutaneous diseases treatment, was studied. Eleven PAHs wer e analysed in pure coal tar and in the cream by CC-MS, after ultrasonic ext raction by pyridine. Ten PAHs were found in pure coal tar: naphthalene, bip henyl, acenaphthylene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, carbazole. fluor anthene, pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene. No traces of 2,3-benzofluorene were det ected. Seven PAHs were identified in the cream : naphthalene, biphenyl, ace naphthylene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene. 2,3-benzofluo rene was also absent in the cream. Anthracene, carbazole and benzo[a]pyrene tone of the most toxic) were present in coal tar and not detected in the c ream. The seven PAHs found in the cream and in coal tar were quantified. Hy drocarbons concentrations were between 0.107 +/- 0.0038 mg.g(-1) (for biphe nyl) and 0.734 +/- 0.0438 mg.g(-1) (for phenanthrene) in the cream and betw een 4.31 +/- 0.23 mg.g(-1) (for biphenyl) and 21.9 +/- 0.57 mg.g(-1) (for f luorene) in coal tar.