Work

Atmospheric Chemistry of Gas-Phase Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Formation of Atmospheric Mutagens

Year: 1994

Type: review

Abstract: The atmospheric chemistry of the 2- to 4-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which exist mainly in the gas phase in the atmosphere, is discussed. The dominant loss process for the gas-phase PAH is by reaction with the hydroxyl radical, resulting in calculated lifetimes in the atmosphere of generally less than one day. The hydroxyl (OH) radical-initiated reactions and nitrate (NO3) radical-initiated reactions often lead to the formation of mutagenic nitro-PAH and other nitropolycyclic aromatic compounds, including nitrodibenzopyranones. These atmospheric reactions have a significant effect on ambient mutagenic activity, indicating that health risk assessments of combustion emissions should include atmospheric transformation products.

Source: Environmental Health Perspectives

DOI: 10.1289/ehp.94102s4117

Authors: R Atkinson, J Arey

Institutions: University of California, Riverside, Statewide Air Pollution Research Center

Language: English

Topic: Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, Ford Motor Company, California Air Resources Board