Paternal exposure to benzo(a)pyrene : a genetic risk in offspring?

Each day we are exposed to substances that are dangerous for the environment that influence our health and possibly the health of our offspring. Benzo(a)pyrene, for example, is formed by the combustion of organic materials, such as wood, diesel and tobacco. Research has already shown that benzo(a)pyrene can cause DNA mutations and consequently cancer. This dissertation describes the DNA-damaging effects of benzo(a)pyrene in testes and male reproductive cells of mice and shows that benzo(a)pyrene can cause germinal line mutations in spermatogonial stem cells of mice. Transferral of these mutations on the offspring may increase the risk of diseases, such as cancer, at a young age. Future research will have to show whether benzo(a)pyrene causes germinal line mutations in humans.