Why is benzo a pyrene toxic?

Background. Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is bioactivated to its carcinogenic form by phase 1 and phase 2 metabolism. As with other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the presence of the ‘bay region’ contributes greatly to the carcinogenicity of BaP.

How benzo a pyrene cause cancer?

The substance with the formula C20H12 is one of the benzopyrenes, formed by a benzene ring fused to pyrene. Its diol epoxide metabolites (more commonly known as BPDE) react and bind to DNA, resulting in mutations and eventually cancer. It is listed as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC.

Is benzo a pyrene planar?

Benzo[a]pyrene is an ortho- and peri-fused polycyclic arene consisting of five fused benzene rings. It has a role as a carcinogenic agent and a mouse metabolite.

What are the effects of benzo a pyrene?

Repeated exposure to substances containing benzo[a]pyrene may cause the skin to thicken and darken, and for pimples to appear. Long-term skin changes include both loss of color and reddish areas, thinning of the skin and warts. Bronchitis may result from repeated exposure to mixtures containing benzo(a)pyrene.

How long does benzo pyrene stay in the atmosphere?

The estimated half-lives for benzo [ a ]pyrene are less than 1-6 days in the atmosphere, less than 1-8 hours in water, 5-10 years in sediment, and greater than 14-16 months in soil (for complete degradation) (EPA, 1984). Benzo [ a ]pyrene is one of a number of PAHs on EPA’s priority pollutant list (ATSDR, 1990).

What is the formula for benzo ( a ) pyrene?

Description. Benzo[ a ]pyrene (B a P) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon found in coal tar with the formula C 20 H 12. The compound is one of the benzopyrenes, formed by a benzene ring fused to pyrene, and is the result of incomplete combustion at temperatures between 300 °C (572 °F) and 600 °C (1,112 °F).

Is the benzene in benzo pyrene carcinogenic?

Benzopyrenes are organic compounds containing a benzene fused to a pyrene(benzo[def]phenanthrene) ring system. Benzo[a]pyrene is formally rated as a carcinogenic (IARC 1) potentially toxic compound.

What is the half life of hexachlorobenzene in soil?

A soil half-life estimate for hexachlorobenzene was made based upon sampling of unacclimated aerobic soil (Beck and Hansen, 1974; Howard et al., 1991). Results showed a soil half-life of 969-2089 days. The arithmetic mean of the limits of the range (1529 days) is recommended as the default half-life value for hexachlorobenzene.