Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemical compounds produced during combustion processes. They are found in particular in tobacco smoke, exhaust fumes, tar, creosote, and cooking activities. They may also be present in the indoor air of homes with a fireplace or wood-burning stove. PAHs are markers detected after a fire or fire damage. Exposure to PAHs poses health risks. In fact, benzo[a]pyrene is classified as a known carcinogen, and many other PAHs are classified as possible or probable carcinogens. Furthermore, many PAHs are suspected of being endocrine disruptors.

Following fire damage, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) are also formed. It is therefore recommended to measure VOCs using aBTEX analysis kit.

Also check out ourFire Damage Pack, which includes testing for 18 PAHs and 7 VOCs (volatile organic compounds) specific to fire damage.

• Benzo[a]pyrene: one of the best-known PAHs. It is mutagenic and carcinogenic (Group 1 in the International Agency for Research on Cancer classification).
• Phenanthrene: It is classified as a Persistent Organic Pollutant

List of molecules analyzedin the PAH Dust Kit

• A Dustream® Collectorsampling device(vacuum cleaner filter with nozzle and universal adapter);
• Detailed instructionsto guide you step by step through the process;
• Aprepaidreturn envelopefor sending your samples to the lab (from mainland France only);
• Analysis of your sampleusing chemical extraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry;
• And adetailed analysis report interpretingyour results.

You will receive a comprehensive report detailing: the list of pollutants tested for in your samples, the pollutants detected and their concentrations, toxicological data regarding the detected pollutants, and recommendations for improving the quality of your indoor environment.