Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
What PAHs are
PAHs are pollutants associated with exhaust emissions, in particular diesel emissions are thought to be the primary source of urban PAH. Although they have been implicated as a cause of lung cancer, it is considered that the health risks for individuals with the highest exposure to roadside PAH are very small.
Since 1992/93, measurements have been taken in the borough as part of the London-Wide PAH survey at a roadside monitoring site in Harwood Road, Fulham. As PAH levels tend to vary seasonally, readings are taken twice a year, once in summer and once in winter in order to allow a comparison of any such variations.
Currently, no objective has been set for PAHs in the National Air Quality Strategy. If such an objective is set in the future, this monitoring will provide useful background information.
Click here to see past monitoring results for PAHs.
