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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Molecules

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of over 100 different chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil and gas, garbage, or other organic substances like tobacco or charbroiled meat. PAHs are usually found as a mixture containing two or more of these compounds, such as soot.

Some PAHs are manufactured. These pure PAHs usually exist as colorless, white, or pale yellow-green solids. PAHs are found in coal tar, crude oil, creosote, and roofing tar, but a few are used in medicines or to make dyes, plastics, and pesticides.


Related Resources for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

  • CERCLA Priority List of Hazardous Substance

    Prioritization of substances based on a combination of their frequency, toxicity, and potential for human exposure at National Priorities List (NPL) sites.

  • National Report Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals

    Provides an ongoing assessment of the exposure of the U.S. population to environmental chemicals using biomonitoring.

  • Results by Chemical Group


  • Fact Sheet (PDF, 44KB)


  • Public Health Statement

    Summary about a hazardous substance taken from Chapter One of its respective ATSDR Toxicological Profile.

  • ToxFAQsTM

    Fact sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions about a contaminant and its health effects.

  • Toxicological Profile

    Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for a hazardous substance.

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