The Carcinogenic Load of the Environment: Benzo(a)Pyrene in Sediments of Arctic Waters

Résumé

Baseline levels of the chemical carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene were measured in arctic sediments. Levels were highest in samples from the Mackenzie River delta and adjacent areas of the Beaufort Sea. The distribution of carcinogen did not correspond to the location of inhabited areas - a natural rather than a man-made source for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in arctic sediments is indicated.