Polynuclear aromatic hycrocarbons
Current research has shed new light on the mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's) in the environment. PAH's in the environment originate from vehicle exhaust, refuse, carbon black, residual oil, and other sources. The biochemical mechanisms of PAH effects have been investigated in laboratory studies. Most study results suggest that PAH epoxides or arene oxides are the electrophilic chemical species that initiate benzo-a-pyrene mediated carcinogenesis. Analytical techniques for metabolite identification and analysis are being developed.