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 PAHsDiscuss Health Effects of PAHsReview 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 :

CoalOilGasGarbageTobacco

Sources of PAHs

Released from :

VolcanoesForest FiresExhaust

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 BronchitisSkin ProblemsAllergies

PAHs and Your Health

Fetus is at greater risk and susceptibility :

Growth retardationLow birth weightSmall head circumferenceLow IQDamage DNADisrupt 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

UrineBloodBody 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

ATSDRwww.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts69.pdf Health Canadawww.hc-sc.gc.ca

In Review

What are PAHs and how we are exposed to them

How do PAHs effect our HealthHow can we reduce our exposure to

PAHs