Question

Which of the following air pollutant is carcinogenic?

• A. 3, 4 Benzpyrene
• B. PAN
• C. Ethylene
• D. $N_{2}O$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

3, 4 Benzpyrene

3,4-Benzopyrene is an aromatic hydrocarbon. It is formed as a result of incomplete combustion during wood burning. It is also found in coal tar, automobile exhaust fumes and combustion of organic material. It forms carcinogenic and mutagenic metabolites which intercalate into DNA and hence interfere with its transcription. Thus the correct answer is option A.