PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) determination

Objective of the analysis

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

PAH dosage is essential for:

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

Available analytical methods

The analysis is carried out 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 foodstuffs or plant extracts

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

Affected matrices

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

Areas of application

• Food industry: health safety and compliance with regulated PAH thresholds (EC 835/2011)
• Materials industry: REACH compliance, control of PAH content in plastics, bitumens or products in contact
• Environment: diagnosis of soil or water pollution, assessment of industrial or atmospheric discharges
• 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, to guarantee reliable and regulatory results. You benefit from:

• Personalized scientific support
• From a choice of the analytical method adapted to your matrix
• Fast support via our digital platform
• A single interface to centralize your requests for PAH and other contaminant analyses

Get a quick quote

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