Beyond the obvious: Environmental health implications of polar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Idowu, Oluyoye; Semple, Kirk T.; Ramadass, Kavitha; O'Connor, Wayne; Hansbro, Phil; Thavamani, Palanisami
• Is Part Of: Environment international. Volume 123(2019)
• Page Start: 543
• Page End: 557
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Polar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons -- Environmental health -- Mutagenesis -- Carcinogenesis -- Human health; Environmental protection -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Protection -- Périodiques; Hygiène du milieu -- Périodiques; Environnement -- Surveillance -- Périodiques; Environmental health; Environmental monitoring; Environmental protection; Periodicals; 333.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-4120

Abstract

Abstract: The genotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of polar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (polar PAHs) are believed to surpass those of their parent PAHs; however, their environmental and human health implications have been largely unexplored. Oxygenated PAHs (oxy-PAHs) is a critical class of polar PAHs associated with carcinogenic effects without enzymatic activation. They also cause an upsurge in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living cells. This results in oxidative stress and other consequences, such as abnormal gene expressions, altered protein activities, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis. Similarly, some nitrated PAHs (N-PAHs) are probable human carcinogens as classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Heterocyclic PAHs (polar PAHs containing nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen atoms within the aromatic rings) have been shown to be potent endocrine disruptors, primarily through their estrogenic activities. Despite the high toxicity and enhanced environmental mobility of many polar PAHs, they have attracted only a little attention in risk assessment of contaminated sites. This may lead to underestimation of potential risks, and remediation end points. In this review, the toxicity of polar PAHs and their associated mechanisms of action, including their role in mutagenic, carcinogenic, developmental and teratogenic effects are critically discussed. This review suggests that polar PAHs could have serious toxicological effects on human health and should be considered during risk assessment of PAH-contaminated sites. The implications of not doing so were argued and critical knowledge gaps and future research requirements discussed. Highlights: Polar PAHs are widely present in various environmental media. Fate and behaviour of polar PAHs are influenced by their physicochemistry Bioavailability and toxicity of many polar PAHs are greater than other PAHs. Mechanisms of toxicity among polar PAHs are different. Polar PAHs should be considered in contaminant risk assessment and remediation.