Human health effects of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons as ambiant air pollutants

Human exposure to PAHs may occur from inhalation, dermal exposure or the ingestion of food contaminated with PAHs. PAHs in air pollution are primarily found bound to particulate matter; when PAHs are present in the gas phase, they have a duration of less than a day. Overall, the present scientific evidence suggests that the PAHs in ambient air are associated with increased cancer incidence in exposed populations. Positive associations have been reported between ambient PAHs and breast cancer, childhood cancers and lung cancer.