Senyawa Toksik Pencemar Udara: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

AbstrakPolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) merupakan kelompok senyawa bersifat karsinogenik atau mutagenik, terutama benzo[a]pyrene. PAHs tersebar melalui proses dispersi atmosfer, sehingga dapat ditemukan di daerah yang jauh dari sumbernya. Sumber PAHs antara lain emisi batu bara, produksi aluminium, pemanas rumah, kegiatan memasak, kendaraan bermotor, kebakaran hutan, pembangkit listrik batubara dan pembakaran sampah. Deposisi kering, deposisi basah dan penguapan dari air serta tanah merupakan proses pertukaran PAHs udara, air, udara dan tanah. Paparan PAHs pada manusia terjadi melalui pernafasan, mulut dan penyerapan kulit. PAHs pada partikel-partikel udara kurang dari 10 µm (PM10) dapat terhirup dan selanjutnya terakumulasi pada sistem pernapasan manusia, sehingga menyebabkan gangguan kesehatan manusia. Baku mutu udara ambien senyawa toksik PAHs perlu ditetapkan untuk melindungi kesehatan masyarakat.Kata kunci: benzo[a]pyrene, karsinogenik, deposisi AbstractPolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of carcinogenic or mutagenic compounds, especially benzo[a]pyrene. PAHs are dispersed by atmospheric processes and found in the receptor area far from their sources. Coal emissions, aluminum production, home heating, cooking activities, motor vehicles, forest fires, coal-fired power plants and waste burning generate PAH emission. Meanwhile, PAHs exchanging process in air, water and soil occurs due to dry deposition, wet deposition and evaporation of water and soil. PAHs exposure to human body have several pathways through inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. PAHs in airborne particles of less than 10 µm (PM10) can be inhaled, subsequently accumulated in the human respiratory system, and cause human health problems. Ambient air quality standards for PAHs toxic compounds have to be established to protect public health.Keywords: benzo[a]pyrene, carcinogenic, depositio