Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to possess toxicity leading to carcinogenesis (such as initiation and promotion activities). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified and announced the results of its assessment of the carcinogenicity of each PAH. Indices such as toxicity equivalence factor (TEF), potency equivalence factor (PEF), and relative potency factor (RPF) have been proposed to express the potential of each PAH to cause cancer. Meanwhile, the initiation and promotion activities of extracts from airborne particulate matter have been measured directly and reported. The contribution of B[a]P to those activities is not always high, suggesting that PAHs other than B[a]P, or substances other than polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), are contributing to the carcinogenicity of the atmosphere.