Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) occur in oil, coal and tar deposits, and are produced as byproducts of fuel burning (whether fossil fuel or biomass). At elevated levels, these pollutants are of concern due to their potential carcinogenicity. Research is being done to find a novel method of monitoring atmospheric PAHs. This work could be beneficial to the industrial and environmental sectors of South Africa and it may also find application in occupational hygiene monitoring.
