文章基本信息

标题：Workplace Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): A Review and Discussion of Regulatory Imperatives for Nigeria
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作者：Francis O. Okonkwo ; Chukwunonso E.C.C. Ejike ; Ursula Berger 等
期刊名称：Research Journal of Environmental Toxicology
印刷版ISSN：1819-3420
出版年度：2014
卷号：8
期号：3
页码：98-109
DOI：10.3923/rjet.2014.98.109
出版社：Academic Journals Inc., USA
摘要：Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of complex organic chemicals, possessing a fused ring structure with at least 2 benzene rings. They are environmental pollutants that occur naturally in coal and crude oil and in emissions from forest fires and volcanoes. The PAHs also enter the environment via., incomplete combustion (pyrolysis) of organic materials such as coal, garbage, waste tyres, tobacco, etc. Several epidemiologic and laboratory studies have shown that exposure to PAH results in adverse health outcomes ranging from irritation of the exposed surface to cancers. The world is faced with the problem of adequate disposal of used tyres which (among other uses) have unfortunately been used in abattoirs in Nigeria to de-fur kanda, a popular cow skin delicacy, hence exposing the butchers to PAHs. This article reviews the chemistry and biochemistry of PAHs and discusses the need for appropriate regulation of exposure to PAHs especially in Nigerian workplaces.