PAH compounds

PAH compounds, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are created through incomplete combustion. The target value for the PAH compound benzo(a)pyrene (1 ng/m³) may be exceeded in some places in the detached housing areas of the Helsinki metropolitan area where a lot of wood is burned. The effect of traffic emissions on the concentrations is quite small. Many PAH compounds, such as benzo(a)pyrene, increase the risk of cancer.

You can examine the monthly concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene in the Helsinki metropolitan area and elsewhere in Uusimaa from the graph below. The results are updated every three months. Concentrations are high when the annual average is more than 1 nanogram per cubic metre of air (ng/m³).