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Public Health Services A Shared Service of Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA) & Guysborough Antigonis

Public Health Services A Shared Service of Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA) & Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority (GASHA). Brochure. Learning Objectives. Define and identify sources of PAHs Discuss Health Effects of PAHs

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Public Health Services A Shared Service of Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA) & Guysborough Antigonis

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  1. Public Health Services A Shared Service of Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA) & Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority (GASHA)

  2. Brochure

  3. Learning Objectives • Define and identify sources of PAHs • Discuss Health Effects of PAHs • Review actions for reducing exposure to PAHs

  4. Description • Can be colorless, white or pale yellow/green solids • Chemicals that occur naturally and as a result of human activities • Examples include Benzo(a)pyrene and Benzo(b) fluoranthene • PAHs are formed when materials that contain carbon and hydrogen do not completely burn

  5. Sources of PAHs • Formed during incomplete burning of : • Coal • Oil • Gas • Garbage • Tobacco

  6. Sources of PAHs Released from : • Volcanoes • Forest Fires • Exhaust

  7. Sources of PAHs Found in: • Coal and roofing tar • Crude oil / Creosote • Some dyes • Plastics • Pesticides • BBQ or smoked meat and fish

  8. How Are We Exposed? • Inhalation of air releases • Contact with contaminated soil • Ingestion of contaminated water or cow’s milk

  9. How Are We Exposed? Contaminated Foods • Charred or smoked meat and fish • Cereals • Flour • Vegetables • Fruits • Marine life in contaminated waters • Exposed indoors mostly through second hand smoke

  10. PAHs and Your Health Some PAHs have been shown to be cancer causing: • Chronic Bronchitis • Skin Problems • Allergies

  11. PAHs and Your Health Fetus is at greater risk and susceptibility : • Growth retardation • Low birth weight • Small head circumference • Low IQ • Damage DNA • Disrupt endocrine systems, such as estrogen, thyroid, and steroids

  12. Tests to Determine Exposure Tests are available for some PAHs or their byproducts, but only at special facilities with required equipment • Urine • Blood • Body tissue Can indicate expose but not whether health effects will develop

  13. Protect Yourself: Protect Your Family • Ensure proper enclosure, ventilation and protective equipment • Wash immediately after exposure and before going home • Change clothes at work, launder separately • Avoid second hand smoke • Use a properly installed woodstove • Avoid smoked foods • If you barbeque – remove charred parts • Obey “No Fishing” advisories • Don’t smoke

  14. Resources • ATSDR www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts69.pdf • Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca

  15. In Review • What are PAHs and how we are exposed to them • How do PAHs effect our Health • How can we reduce our exposure to PAHs

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