PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) assay

Objective of the analysis

PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) are a group of organic compounds formed during the incomplete combustion of organic matter (wood, oil, coal, waste). They are found in the air, soil, sediments, water, certain foods (grilled, smoked), as well as in industrial materials (bitumens, rubbers, plastics, oils).

PAH measurement is essential for:

• Check regulatory compliance (EC Regulation 1907/2006 – REACH; EC Regulation 835/2011 for foodstuffs)
• Assess the health risks (endocrine disruptors, carcinogens)
• Monitor environmental contamination (soil, water, emissions)
• Control the quality of materials or foodstuffs

Available analytical methods

The analysis is performed according to the nature of the matrix:

• GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry): for complex solid or liquid matrices (oils, polymers, environmental samples)
• HPLC with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD): for food or plant extracts

The compounds analyzed include the 4 priority PAHs defined by regulations (Benzo[a]pyrene, Benzo[a]anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene), as well as other PAHs to monitor (Fluoranthene, Naphthalene, Acenaphthene…).

Affected matrices

• Foods: grilled meats, smoked fish, vegetable oils, cocoa, supplements
• Environment: soils, water, sludge, ambient air, atmospheric emissions
• Materials: recycled rubber, plastics, inks, lubricants, construction materials

Areas of application

• Food processing industry: food safety and compliance with regulated PAH thresholds (EC 835/2011)
• Materials industry: REACH compliance, control of PAH levels in plastics, bitumen or contact products
• Environment: soil or water pollution diagnosis, assessment of industrial or atmospheric emissions
• Animal health: monitoring the quality of fats in animal feed

Why choose YesWeLab for this analysis?

YesWeLab gives you access to a large network of expert partner laboratories, accredited to ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC standards, to guarantee reliable and compliant results. You benefit from:

• Personalized scientific support
• From choosing the analytical method best suited to your matrix
• With rapid support via our digital platform
• A single interface to centralize your requests for PAH and other contaminant analyses

Get a quick quote

Please specify your matrix (food, soil, polymer, etc.) and your target regulatory thresholds. Our team will respond as soon as possible.