IPCS INCHEM Home

Summary of Evaluations Performed by the
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
See: BENZO[a]PYRENE
Functional class: CONTAMINANT
Latest evaluation: 2005
Comments: For cancer the benchmark dose lower confidence limit was 100 000; the margin of exposure at mean intake was 25 000, for high intake 10 000. The Committee applied a surrogate approach to the evaluation, in which benzo[a]pyrene was used as a marker of exposure to, and effect of, the 13 genotoxic and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Based on the derived margins of exposure, the Committee concluded that the estimated intakes of PAHs were of low concern for human health. Measures to reduce intake of PAHs could include avoiding contact of foods with flames, and cooking with the heat source above rather than below the food. Efforts should be made to reduce contamination with PAHs during drying and smoking processes.
Report: TRS 930-JECFA 64/61
Tox monograph: FAS for JECFA 64 in press
Intake: Mean: 4 ng/kg bw per day; high: 10 ng/kg bw per day (estimates for benzo[a]pyrene as a marker for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs))
 
31 Jan 06    





    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (WHO Food Additives Series 55)