Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Structure of naphthalene, a PAH

CAS Number: various

PAHs are formed when materials like gasoline, diesel, tobacco, and wood are burned. They also form when foods are grilled, barbecued, smoked, fried, or roasted.

Hydroxy-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (hydroxy-PAHs) are measured as indicators of exposure to the various PAHs.

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PAHsFactSheet.pdf

Fact Sheet

PAHs are found in:

Tobacco and marijuana smoke, including from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes; and chewing tobacco.
Exhaust from cars, trucks, and buses, as well as road dust.
Wood smoke, such as from fireplaces, wood stoves, campfires, and wildfires.
Exhaust from gas burners, unvented gas fireplaces, and kerosene heaters.
Smoke from grilling or burning cooking oil or food.
Food that has been grilled, barbecued, smoked, fried, or roasted, and some teas.
Liquid smoke seasonings and flavorings.

Possible health concerns of some PAHs:

May contribute to asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.
May affect the developing fetus, including effects on growth.
May reduce fertility and interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
Can increase cancer risk.

Possible ways to reduce exposure to PAHs:

Take steps to improve indoor air quality:
- Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in your home or car, or around your child.
- Always use an exhaust fan or open windows when cooking indoors, especially when cooking with oils heated at high temperatures, or whenever using a gas stove.
- Do not use a gas oven or gas burners to heat your home.
- If you cook with barbecues and grills, use them outdoors only.
- Do not idle cars inside garages, especially garages attached to your home.
- Avoid burning wood, especially for home heating.
Limit how much you eat grilled, barbecued, smoked, fried, or roasted food. Try steaming, boiling, stewing, or poaching your food more often. Avoid burned food.
Because PAHs can collect in dust:
- Wash your and your child’s hands often, especially before preparing or eating food.
- Clean your floors regularly, using a wet mop or HEPA vacuum if possible, and use a damp cloth to dust.