BaP is a member of a class of compounds known as PAHs which generally occur as complex mixtures and not as single compounds (Figure 1). PAHs are primarily by-products of incomplete combustion. These combustion sources are numerous and include natural sources such as wildfires, industrial processes, transportation, energy production and use, food preparation, smoking tobacco and disposal activities such as open trash burning. BaP along with other PAHs are suspected of causing cancer in humans. It is bio accumulative, does not break down easily in our environment and is subject to long range air transport.

Main Research: Norizah Halim