ABSTRACT
Aromatic amines (AAs) are substances typically identified as chemical compounds having in their molecular structure one or more aromatic rings. AAs are a group of semi-volatile compounds that are highly toxic and can have adverse effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. In addition to causing cancers, these compounds can also exacerbate asthma conditions and increase the risk of pneumonia. AAs are of concern globally because it represents one of the most important classes of industrial and environmental chemicals that are used in abundance and that can exert carcinogenic and mutagenic effect on humans. A variety of AAs have been designated as potent carcinogens and mutagens and/or hemotoxicants. The challenge is that exposure to AAs is not confined to just one industry; in fact, AAs occur in different industrial and agricultural activities as well as in tobacco smoking. To exert their carcinogenic effect, AAs must be metabolized to reactive electrophiles. This reaction typically involves an initial N-oxidation to N-hydroxy arylamines and N-hydroxyarylamides. More than one in eight of known or suspected human carcinogens are attributed to AAs or chemicals that can convert into one, rendering AAs as a significant class of human carcinogens. These substances constitute one of the major groups of known human carcinogens.
