Benzo (a) pyrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. It is a highly effective carcinogenic compound. These aromatic compounds, called benzopyrenes, contain a benzene ring in their structure. In 1933, benzo (a) pyrene was found to be a component of coal tar.

PAH analysis as residue analysis includes benzo (a) pyrene cryene, benzo (b) fluoranthene, benzo (a) anthrasene analysis. In laboratories, PAH analyzes are mainly performed for pestists, high water content products, coffee and coffee beans, dairy products and products containing high starch and protein and low water and fat.

From the beginning of the 1970, many studies have been conducted to demonstrate a relationship between benzo (a) pyrene and cancer types.

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are the leading chemical pollutants and have serious carcinogenic effects. PAHs are found in air, water and soil. They are mainly chemicals that occur when oil, coal and other organic substances are not completely burned. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are solid at room temperature, have high melting and boiling points and are not readily soluble in water. Since they have low vapor pressure, they are present in the air as gaseous or together with particles.

There are over a hundred PAH components. Naphthalene is an example of a mild PAH group and benzo (a) pyrene is a heavy PAH group.

According to Turkish Food Codex, 10 ppb limit is prescribed for the amount of benzo (a) pyrene in vegetable oils. In other countries, 5 ppb for the total PAHs and 1 ppb for the benzo (a) pyrene are introduced.

Different amounts of benzo (a) pyrene are observed in different vegetable oils such as corn, soy, cotton, sunflower, hazelnut and olive oil. In general, the amount of benzo (a) pyrene is considerably higher than the limit given in the Turkish Food Codex. It is thought that raw material pollution and heat treatments applied in food sector are effective in this.

 

In the laboratories, the determination of the amount of benzo (a) pyrene is also performed within the scope of chemical tests. During the studies, the standards prepared by local and foreign organizations are complied with.