- NAEI
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- Pollutant information
- Benzo[a]pyrene
Pollutant Information: Benzo[a]pyrene
About Benzo[a]pyrene
Category: Air pollutants
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is of concern because of its effect on human health. It is part of the group of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and is recognized as one of the most carcinogenic of the group. Emissions have decreased by 90% since 1990. Most of this reduction is due to improved control of emissions from aluminium production through the 1990s, this source contributed to 70% of emissions in 1990. Since 2000, UK emissions have decreased by 38%. This is driven by trends in residential coal consumption, agricultural waste burning, and the decline to zero of emissions from aluminium production (anode baking), partially offset by increases in residential wood combustion.
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Time series graph
Notable events
| Start year | End year | Sector | Information | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1993 | Agriculture & Waste | Ban on field burning dramatically reduced emissions of many pollutants | Decrease in emissions |
| 1990 | 2003 | Production Processes | Large reductions in Primary aluminium production - anode baking. | Decrease in emissions |