noun
- Plural of benzopyrene; a class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) formed by incomplete combustion of organic matter, known to be carcinogenic.
Usage: technical; chemistry; environmental science
Examples
- Benzopyrenes are commonly found in cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust.
- The researchers measured benzopyrenes in air samples collected near the highway.
- Grilled and smoked foods can contain trace amounts of benzopyrenes.
- Exposure to benzopyrenes has been linked to increased cancer risk in laboratory studies.
- Environmental agencies monitor benzopyrenes as indicators of air pollution.