NTP Review of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Substance Overview
PAHs are defined as compounds containing at least two adjacent 6 carbon rings and only carbon and hydrogen.
Primary Uses or Exposures
- PAHs are widespread in the environment.
- PAHs are common byproducts of combustion of organic substances. PAHs also are found in coal tar, coke, asphalt, and coal.
- People are typically exposed to a mixture of PAHs, rather than an individual PAH.
- People in the US are mainly exposed to PAHs via inhalation of smokes (tobacco, wood, coal, etc.) and other air pollutants, and ingestion food containing PAHs (e.g., grilled meat). Workers at workplaces which use or producing petroleum or coal, or burn organic material, and other facilities might be exposed to PAHs.
Documents
Date | Document |
---|---|
Sep 20, 2013 | Federal Register notice requesting public comment on nominated substances |
Note on Accessibility: Persons with disabilities or using assistive technology may find some documents are not fully accessible. For assistance, email us or use our contact form and identify the documents/pages for which access is required. We will assist you in accessing the content of these files. NIEHS has helpful information on accessibility.