PAH
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of widespread environmental contaminants released through incomplete combustion, traffic and industrial emissions. PAHs have been implicated in a wide range of toxicological effects. Petrogenic PAH compounds from sources such as traffic emissions typically have a 2–3 ring molecular structure. Those from pyrogenic sources, such as biomass and wildfires, have a 4-ring molecular structure, and those formed by pyrogenic combustion-related sources have 5 to 6-ring molecular structures.
PAH chemical (LC-MS/MS) analysis
Routine measurement of PAH contamination typically involves chemical analysis of a selected group of representative compounds, like the 16 PAHs defined, by the US Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA-16). This approach may underestimate the total PAH-related toxicity of a sample.
Bioassay PAH CALUX analysis
The PAH CALUX assay uses a mammalian H4IIE cell-based reporter system for hazard identification of total PAH mixtures. This cell line enables specific and reliable quantification of AhR-induced luciferase activity relative to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a class 1B carcinogen. Results of ToxicoWatch biomonitoring are expressed in ng B[a]P equivalents per gram dry matter (dm) or dry weight (dw).
