POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS IN FISH - EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT FOR KUWAITI CONSUMERS AFTER THE GULF OIL-SPILL OF 1991

This investigation involves a preliminary assessment of public health hazards associated with exposure to PAHs in locally consumed fish from oil-impacted areas after the Gulf oil spill in 1991. Based on levels of 10 PAHs determined in edible parts of fish collected during the NOAA-Mt. Mitchell scientific cruise (April-May 1992), two exposure scenarios were hypothesized. The first scenario considers that the extent of exposure to PAHs is influenced by the frequency of occurrence and the mean concentration of individual PAH compounds. In the second scenario, the maximum detected PAH concentrations are considered as potential extremes in exposure based on the likely preference of consumption of highly contaminated fish. The mean concentration of the frequently occurring pyrene (75%) poses 3.8, 2.37, and 5.85 times the carcinogenic equivalency, carcinogenic potency, and mutagenic potency, respectively, posed by the mean B(a)P concentration. The maximum concentration of pyrene poses 5.81, 3.62, 8.94 times the carcinogenic equivalency, carcinogenic potency, and mutagenic potency, respectively, posed by the maximum B(a)P concentration. The mean concentration of anthracene (frequency of occurrence = 10%) poses 8.05 and 1.51 times the carcinogenic potency and mutagenic potency, respectively, posed by the mean B(a)P concentration. The maximum concentration of anthracene poses 3.29 and 0.62 times the carcinogenic potency and mutagenic potency, respectively, posed by the maximum B(a)P concentration. The maximum daily intake rate (MDI) of B(a)P equivalencies was estimated at 0.15 mug/d. A preliminary cancer assessment is performed indicating a need for a complete risk assessment.