POMS are a broad class of compounds that includes the
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAHs), of which benzo
[a]pyrene is a member. POM compounds are formed primarily from
combustion and are present in the atmosphere in particulate
form. Sources of air emissions are diverse and include
cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, home heating, laying tar, and
grilling meat. Cancer is the major concern from exposure to
POM. Epidemiologic studies have reported an increase in lung
cancer in humans exposed to coke oven emissions, roofing tar
emissions, and cigarette smoke; all of these mixtures contain
POM compounds. Animal studies have reported respiratory tract
tumors from inhalation exposure to benzo[a]pyrene and
forestomach tumors, leukemia, and lung tumors from oral
exposure to benzo[a]pyrene. EPA has classified seven PAHs
(benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]
fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, and
indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene) as Group B2, probable human
carcinogens. CAS Number: 50-32-8
The term polycyclic organic matter (POM) defines a broad class
of compounds that includes the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
compounds (PAHs), of which benzo[a]pyrene is a member. POM
compounds are formed primarily from combustion and are present in
the atmosphere in particulate form. Sources of air emissions are
diverse and include cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, home
heating, laying tar, and grilling meat. Cancer is the major
concern from exposure to POM. Epidemiologic studies have
reported an increase in lung cancer in humans exposed to coke
oven emissions, roofing tar emissions, and cigarette smoke; all
of these mixtures contain POM compounds. Animal studies have
reported respiratory tract tumors from inhalation exposure to
benzo[a]pyrene and forestomach tumors, leukemia, and lung tumors
from oral exposure to benzo[a]pyrene. EPA has classified seven
PAHs (benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene,
benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene,
dibenz[a,h]anthracene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene) as Group B2,
probable human carcinogens.