Hygienic characterization of atmospheric contamination with benzo(a)pyrene in a big city.

It was demonstrated in the present study that the atmospheric air, soil and snow within a city are contaminated with benzo(a)pyrene (BP). The highest BP concentration was found in District Seven where a number of petro-chemical and chemical plants are situated. BP content in the air sampled between operational premises was in all cases below MPC (30% of the MPC values for working environment air). A major source of environmental contamination with BP is motor traffic. Atmospheric BP concentration was found to be directly proportional to traffic density. The obtained results may serve as a basis for health-improving measures.