Public Health Services
A Shared Service of
Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA)
&
Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority
(GASHA)
Brochure
Learning Objectives
Define and identify sources of PAHs
Discuss Health Effects of PAHs
Review actions for reducing exposure to
PAHs
Description
Can be colorless, white or pale yellow/green
solids
Chemicals that occur naturally and as a result
of human activities
Examples include Benzo(a)pyrene and
Benzo(b) fluoranthene
PAHs are formed when materials that contain
carbon and hydrogen do not completely burn
Sources of PAHs
Formed during
incomplete burning of :
Coal
Oil
Gas
Garbage
Tobacco
Sources of PAHs
Released from :
Volcanoes
Forest Fires
Exhaust
Sources of PAHs
Found in:
 Coal and roofing tar
 Crude oil / Creosote
 Some dyes
 Plastics
 Pesticides
 BBQ or smoked meat
and fish
How Are We Exposed?
Inhalation of air
releases
Contact with
contaminated soil
Ingestion of
contaminated water
or cow’s milk
How Are We Exposed?
Contaminated Foods







Charred or smoked meat and fish
Cereals
Flour
Vegetables
Fruits
Marine life in contaminated waters
Exposed indoors mostly through
second hand smoke
PAHs and Your Health
Some PAHs have been
shown to be cancer causing:
Chronic Bronchitis
Skin Problems
Allergies
PAHs and Your Health
Fetus is at greater risk and
susceptibility :
Growth retardation
Low birth weight
Small head circumference
Low IQ
Damage DNA
Disrupt endocrine systems,
such as estrogen, thyroid,
and steroids
Tests to Determine
Exposure
Tests are available for some PAHs or their byproducts, but
only at special facilities with required equipment
Urine
Blood
Body tissue
Can indicate expose but not whether health effects will
develop
Protect Yourself:
Protect Your Family
 Ensure proper enclosure, ventilation and protective
equipment
 Wash immediately after exposure and before going home
 Change clothes at work, launder separately
 Avoid second hand smoke
 Use a properly installed woodstove
 Avoid smoked foods
 If you barbeque – remove charred parts
 Obey “No Fishing” advisories
 Don’t smoke
Resources
 ATSDR
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts69.pdf
 Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
In Review
What are PAHs and how we are exposed
to them
How do PAHs effect our Health
How can we reduce our exposure to
PAHs