Potency Equivalency Factors for Some Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Derivatives

Abstract

Potency equivalency factors (PEFs) for cancer induction relative to benzo[a]pyrene have been derived for 21 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and PAH derivatives based on a data preference scheme. PEFs have been derived only for PAHs with demonstrated carcinogenicity in bioassays. Cancer potency values and inhalation unit risks are presented for four additional carcinogenic PAHs based on expedited risk assessments conducted for California's Proposition 65. A much larger number of PAHs and PAH derivatives are considered mutagenic or genotoxic and may have limited evidence for carcinogenicity, but these compounds are not considered in this evaluation. New cancer bioassay data and possibly structure-activity analysis may indicate that additional PAHs are carcinogenic. Thus, additional PAHs may be identified as potential human carcinogens when such data become available. However, until that time the PEFs proposed for use in risk assessment were estimated only for PAHs currently classified as carcinogens.