Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of over 100 different chemicals which are produced through incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas and garbage. They are produced both naturally, by forest fires for example, and through human activities such as automobile exhaust and industrial processes.  PAHs are used to make dyes, plastics, creosote, coal tar, roofing tar and some medicines.

PAHs can enter your body in three ways: through skin (dermal), breathing (inhalation) and eating (ingestion).  To be absorbed through skin, direct contact with contaminated soil, water or air from a waste site containing PAHs would have to occur.  PAHs can enter your body when virtually any smoke is inhaled. This includes wood, cigarette, agricultural, and trash-burning smoke as well as automobile exhaust.  Breathing smoke which contains PAHs is the most common way people are exposed to PAHs. Workers involved in garbage incineration or the production or use of coal-tar, roofing tar or asphalt could be exposed to PAHs if proper personal protective measures are not taken.

Eating food grown in contaminated soil can expose people to PAHs. Charring or grilling food can increase the amount of PAHs they contain.


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