Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) result primarily from atmospheric deposition onto plants in smoky areas. One such hydrocarbon is Benzo(a)pyrene, a potent carcinogen, which is also formed in foodstuffs that are smoke-dried (such as tea) and also during the smoking and grilling of animal foods. PAH also occur in shell-fish that come from a polluted marine environment.11 Fats are once again a prime source of PAH and smoked and grilled food in particular are subject to contamination by these carcinogens.12 Avoidance of high risk foods seems desirable if the risk from these compounds is to be curtailed.
