Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

A group of substances which occur as the unwanted by-products of incomplete combustion (Pyrolysis, coking plants, domestic fuel and Motor Vehicle traffic, etc.). The PAHs are for the most part linked to Smoke particles. The concentration of PAHs (measured in the form of the principal substance Benzpyrene) in the Atmosphere during the winter is normally higher than in the summer, and is higher in cities than in rural areas. It is assumed that the increased mortality from lung Cancer in the cities and in the areas of industrial concentrations has ist origins in the higher PAH concentration.