Urinary Concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites in Drinkers in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Consumption of , an infusion of the herb , is associated with increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the carcinogenic mechanism is unclear. Commercial brands of contain high levels of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are acquired during the traditional drying process. The purpose of this study was to characterize exposure to PAHs in drinkers over a wide range of consumption.