Home :: What are polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)?
What are polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)?
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAH's, is a term for a group of over 100 organic compounds that are composed of several benzene rings.
Where is it found?
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found in coal, oil and tar, and are also produced when fuels are burned, whether the fuels are fossil fuels or biomass. Tobacco smoke and charbroiled meat also contain PAH's.
Why should I be concerned?
PAH's are suspected carcinogens and endocrine disrupters.
Where can I learn more?
For more information, please see the ATSDR ToxFAQs for Polycyclic Armotaic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and ScoreCard's chemical profile for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.
