Carcinogenicity and Toxicity of Aromatic Hydrocarbons

NOTE ON THE SOURCE TEXT: the book's own page prints this heading as '13.5.2 Carcinogenity and toxicity' (reusing the number 13.5.2, already used above for 'Aromaticity') -- a verified duplicate-numbering slip, filed here as 13.5.8 in sequence. Benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are widespread environmental pollutants, generated by the incomplete combustion of coal, oil, petrol and wood, as well as by open burning, natural petroleum/coal seepage, and volcanic activity. They are toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic, with documented haematological, immunological and neurological effects on humans; they are also radiomimetic, and prolonged exposure can cause genetic damage. 'L-shaped' polynuclear (angular, bay-region-bearing) PAHs are noted as being especially toxic and carcinogenic -- examples given include 1,3-benzpyrene (found in cigarette smoke), 1,3- …