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 PAHs  Discuss Health Effects of PAHs  Review 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 :  Coal  Oil  Gas  Garbage  Tobacco

Sources of PAHs

Released from :  Volcanoes  Forest Fires  Exhaust

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 Bronchitis  Skin Problems  Allergies

PAHs and Your Health

Fetus is at greater risk and susceptibility :  Growth retardation  Low birth weight  Small head circumference  Low IQ  Damage DNA  Disrupt 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  Urine  Blood  Body 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

 ATSDR www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts69.pdf

 Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca

In Review

 What are PAHs and how we are exposed to them  How do PAHs effect our Health  How can we reduce our exposure to PAHs