Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Steroids and Carcinogenesis

Abstract
In addition to the electronic factors, there is a steric factor responsible for the carcinogenicity of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. A carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon must bear steric resemblance to steroids. One possible implication to this requirement for carcinogenicity is that these hydrocarbons may act on the same sites as steroid hormones.