Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Hydrocarbons are an organic compound consisting exclusively of the elements hydrogen and carbon. Polycyclic hydrocarbons are made up of four or more ring structures. Aromatic refers to their strong and not unpleasant odor. PAH' s are derived principally from petroleum and coal tar sources and some have demonstrated carcinogenic properties. (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, In-Water and Riparian Management of Sediment and Dredged Material, November 2004)