Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of chemicals that are formed during the incomplete combustion of gasoline, diesel, oil, coal, wood, garbage or other organic substances. Tobacco smoke and charbroiled meats are common sources of PAHs. Other outdoor sources of PAHs include vehicle exhaust emissions, wood smoke from fireplaces, smoke from forest fires and industrial facilities.

There are more than 100 different PAHs with varying levels of toxicity. PAHs usually occur as complex mixtures (contained in soot and smoke) rather than single compounds. PAHs occur in the atmosphere in the vapour phase or attached to dust particles. People can be exposed to PAHs through breathing, eating or drinking substances that contain PAHs. Exposure can also take place through skin contact.

Monitoring Method
PAHs are analyzed for in total suspended particulate samples collected with the high-volume sampler every sixth day in accordance with the NAPS monitoring schedule. The TSP samples undergo laboratory analysis using GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). The PAHs analyzed for are benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(e)pyrene, indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene, benzo(k)fluoranthene and benzo(g,h,i)perylene.

Objectives
Air quality Objectives for PAHs are usually established in jurisdictions where PAHs are of concern because of significant sources such aluminum smelters, residential wood burning, open air burning or diesel motor vehicles. Alberta does not have Objectives for ambient concentrations of PAHs.

	Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of chemicals that are formed during the incomplete combustion of gasoline, diesel, oil, coal, wood, garbage or other organic substances. Tobacco smoke and charbroiled meats are common sources of PAHs. Other outdoor sources of PAHs include vehicle exhaust emissions, wood smoke from fireplaces, smoke from forest fires and industrial facilities. There are more than 100 different PAHs with varying levels of toxicity. PAHs usually occur as complex mixtures (contained in soot and smoke) rather than single compounds. PAHs occur in the atmosphere in the vapour phase or attached to dust particles. People can be exposed to PAHs through breathing, eating or drinking substances that contain PAHs. Exposure can also take place through skin contact. Monitoring Method PAHs are analyzed for in total suspended particulate samples collected with the high-volume sampler every sixth day in accordance with the NAPS monitoring schedule. The TSP samples undergo laboratory analysis using GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). The PAHs analyzed for are benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(e)pyrene, indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene, benzo(k)fluoranthene and benzo(g,h,i)perylene. Objectives Air quality Objectives for PAHs are usually established in jurisdictions where PAHs are of concern because of significant sources such aluminum smelters, residential wood burning, open air burning or diesel motor vehicles. Alberta does not have Objectives for ambient concentrations of PAHs.