The carcinogenic PAH, benzo(a)pyrene
Benzo(a)pyrene belongs to the group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs.
The role of benzo(a)pyrene has been extensively studied in connection with its carcinogenic effect, as this toxic substance is also contained in tobacco smoke. However, it is present in much larger quantities in wood smoke.
To emit the same amount of benzo(a)pyrene as when burning 1 kilograms of wood you have to light 27’000 cigarettes.
Once in the air, benzo(a)pyrene can travel up to 1000km. If it settles in water and on land, it takes several years before it is degraded.
Indoors, the average value of benzo(a)pyrene can be 500% higher than the specified guide values.
Benzo(a)pyrene plays a central role in the combustion of wood and has been linked to many health problems in studies:
- Carcinogenic in general
- can cause breast cancer
- can cause breast cancer metastases
- Harmful effects on fetal and child development such as premature birth and low birth weight
- Impairment of the development of the reproductive organs, especially the male reproductive system
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that benzo(a)pyrene not only impairs the growth of the foetus, but also makes it more susceptible to DNA damage.