ABSTRACT
There exist numerous methods which may be used for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in work atmospheres. The method of choice depends on our requirements as to degree of detailed knowledge of sample composition, speed, cost, precision, and accuracy. In addition to measurements of integrated exposures obtained by personal monitors, real-time or near-real-time continuous monitors are desirable to warn of elevated concentrations in work areas. Portable real-time monitors will also prove valuable in detecting small leaks in process streams and pinpointing sources of exposures. The objective of the desorption procedure is to separate PAH from the bulk-sample matrix in as high a yield as possible, with a minimum of co-extraction of other compounds present in the sample. The PAH fraction isolated from most sample types is a complex mixture of a great number of individual compounds. Several analytical schemes have been proposed for the identification and quantification of individual PAH components.
