Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in placenta, maternal blood, umbilical cord blood and milk of Indian women

Human placenta, umbilical cord blood, maternal blood and breast milk samples from mothers were analysed for the presence of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Benzo(a) pyrene (B(a)P), dibenzo(a,c)anthracene (DBA) and chrysene (Chy) were detected in all the four types of sample. Levels of dibenzo(a,c)anthracene were higher in the above samples compared with the other two PAHs. Umbilical cord blood and breast milk samples showed relatively high concentrations of all the three PAHs and thus demonstrated that the developing foetus/new born were exposed to these carcinogenic environmental contaminants. The possible implications of PAHs in relation to human health are discussed.