EROD activity induction in peripheral blood lymphocytes, liver and brain tissues of rats orally exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

► Rats were orally exposed up to 28 days to a mixture of phenanthrene, pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene. ► EROD activity induction kinetics were established in brain, liver and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). ► EROD activity in PBL is linearly correlated to EROD activity in liver and brain. ► It appears as a non-lethal and convenient bioindicator of exposure to PAH in animals with sufficient blood volume. ► We suggest its use for evaluating exposure of (farm) animals to CYP 1A1/1B1 inducing compounds, in a non-specific way.