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
