Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the Human Body’s Response

By: Talal Syed

 

 

 

 

 

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, otherwise known as PAHs, are residual products that result when substances are burned. PAHs are chemical compounds composed of fused aromatic rings. Aromatic rings are aromatic organic compounds that consist only of a planar ring system. Typical simple aromatic compounds are benzene and indole. PAHs are a result of burning organic compounds such as fossil fuels and plant matter. PAHs are also fond in burnt foods such as grilled meat. As a pollutant, PAHs are under careful monitoring because some compounds have been identified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic. PAHs are also found in cooked foods, such as grilled meats.

The Human body’s response to PAH build up with in the body or external surfaces such as skin is to start a macrophage attack against the PAH residual buildup. The problem with this is that though the immune system maybe strong, PAHs are not living organisms against which the body can develop antibodies and destroy. So, when a great accumulation of macrophages and other immune bodies occurs around the PAH build-up, the body starts undergoing carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis is the creation of cancer with in a living organism. During carcinogenesis, the human body’s normal cells in the selected area of the tumor, the normal cells are turned in to abnormal cells that are useless to the body and use up nutrients required by the normal cells. These abnormal cells then spread through out the body, and eventually end up killing the person. A genetic mutation takes place with in the body, caused by carcinogens. This genetic mutation inactivates the tumor suppressor gene. This in turn destroys the body from stopping tumors from forming with in the body. Eventually, the body is vulnerable to tumor growth which results in cancer.

The cancer aspect of PAHs is very simple, yet it can be complex. The type of cancer that develops is based solely on where the PAH build up occurs. If the build up is on an exposed area of the skin, through physical contact, than the cancer would be skin cancer. If PAHs are inhaled, they can lead to lung cancer, and if ingested, they can lead to stomach cancer. So after finding out the human body’s response to such materials, scientists are now working on a way to deplete the PAH build up with in the body, before it starts the cancer process.

References:

Schoental, R (1964). Polycyclic hydrocarbons [by] E. Clar.: With a Chapter on Carcinogenesis. London: Academic Press.

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