POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN AIR

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of organic compounds consisting of two or more condense aromatic rings. They are products of incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of organic matter. Because some PAHs such as Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are proven carcinogens and mutagens, it is necessary to continuously monitor their concentrations in the air, water, and soil. PAHs with two or three aromatic rings are stable in the gas phase, while most PAHs with five or more aromatic rings bond to particles. Higher concentrations of PAHs are present in the atmosphere of urban areas, mostly in the winter, due to heating. In the summer, these concentrations drop because most PAHs are unstable at high temperatures and break down by oxidation and photooxidation. Measurements of PAHs in the air include sampling on the filter paper or solid adsorbent, extraction, and chromatographic analysis. This review presents the measurements of BaP in some locations in the world and compares them with the findings in Croatia.