Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - Assessment Report on Issues of Concern

A two-page summary of the information on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in the 2020 UNEP Assessment Report on Issues of Concern: Chemicals and Waste Issues Posing Risks to Human Health and the Environment and the 2019 Global Chemicals Outlook II. PAHs are a class of more than 100 organic compounds. They occur naturally in coal and crude oil, but are also formed as a by-product during the incomplete combustion from both natural (e.g. volcanic eruptions, burning of coal, oil and gas) or anthropogenic (e.g. vehicle emissions, industrial processes, food preparation) sources. PAHs may also be present in consumer products (e.g. plastic components, footwear); however, they are never intentionally added during manufacturing. Plant-based foods may contain PAHs as a result of pollutant deposition before harvest.