Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon and Polychlorinated Biphenyl in the Mainstream Smoke of Cannabis Sativa and Health Implications
Author(s): Olusola Adedayo Adesina*, Olowolafe Tosin, Mayowa Lala, Abolaji T. Adeyemo and Jacob Sonibare
Abstract
This study determined the levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the mainstream smoke of some samples of marijuana. The study also assessed the risk associated with smoking PAHs and PCBs in the marijuana using health indexes such as incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and hazard quotient (HQ). Samples of marijuana were obtained and analysis of PAHs and PCBs were done using GC-MS operated in selected ion monitoring mode (SIM). The result showed the mean Σ PCBs in the smoke was 25.86 ng while the concentration of Σ dl-PCBs was 11.04 ng. `The mean Σ PAHs in the smoke was 1363.61 ng. The ILCR values from smoking PCBs in the mainstream ranged between 6.98 × 10-10-1.38 × 10-9 while the ILCR value for exposure to PAHs was 1.75 × 10-5. HQs values for exposure to PAHs and PCBs in smoke were all above 1. The result showed no carcinogenic risk is associated with exposure to PCBs in the mainstream of marijuana, while both carcinogenic risk and non-carcinogenic risk are associated with exposure to PAH in the smoke. The study revealed risks associated with smoking marijuana.
