Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Sources of emissions
Industry sources
Industrial emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are mainly from petroleum refineries, fossil fuel power plants (coal, oil,), coal-tar production plants, coking plants, bitumen and asphalt production plants, paper mills, wood products manufacturers, aluminium production plants and industrial machinery manufacturers. These emissions are usually to air.
Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data
The main sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are related to combustion processes (domestic solid fuel burning, motor vehicles, etc) and the use of solvents and aerosols.
Natural sources
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be formed from any naturally occurring fire, such as bush or forest fires. They occur in crude oil, shale oil, and coal tars. They are emitted from active volcanoes.
Transport sources
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found in motor vehicle exhaust.
Consumer products
Some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found in medicines, dyes, plastics, pesticides and wood preservatives. Naphthalene is also known as mothballs. Since most polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons come from the incomplete combustion of organic material, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons will be created in wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, indoor or outdoor grills and smoking tobacco products.
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