Once inside the body, PAHs undergo metabolic activation, primarily in the liver, through cytochrome P450 enzymes. This biotransformation process converts PAHs into reactive intermediates, including epoxides and diol epoxides, which can bind to DNA and cause mutations. These DNA adducts are crucial in the initiation of cancer. The body also attempts to detoxify these compounds through conjugation reactions, facilitating their excretion.
