Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

From Glossary of Meteorology



polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons[edit | edit source]

(Abbreviated PAHs.) Class of large aromatic molecules composed of several benzene rings fused together.

Some PAHs show very high carcinogenic and mutagenic activity. They are found in organic residues, such as soot, coal tar, and combustion exhaust. Due to their low volatility, PAHs are usually taken up onto organic aerosols, which facilitates their inhalation.


Hydrocarbons based on the structure of benzene, characterized by a very stable, unsaturated ring.

Measure of the effective concentration of a chemical in the gas or liquid phase.

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