Review of sampling and analysis methodology for polynuclear aromatic compounds in air from mobile sources. Final report, 1 March-30 November 1983

The objective of the program was to review and recommend test compounds and sampling and analysis methods for a future EPA study of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in microenvironments. Review of PAH profiles in ambient air indicated that concentrations of PAH were generally higher in winter than summer and varied with climate and between sampling sites within an urban area. Levels of several PAH were found to be proportional to traffic density. Studies of the biological activity of ambient air samples showed that some PAH and their nitrated derivatives are extremely carcinogenic and mutagenic. The following compounds were determined to be the most prevalent and mutagenic in ambient air and were recommended for the future EPA study: phenanthrene, pyrene, cyclopenta(c,d)pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, 1-nitropyrene, fluoranthene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(e)pyrene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, coronene, and 3-nitrofluoranthene. In the review of PAH sampling methods, collection of both gaseous and particulate bound PAH was determined to be necessary to accurately characterize health effects of PAH in ambient air. Most studies have used filters to sample particulate-bound PAH and absorbents to collect vapor phase PAH. The major sampling problems encountered in the studies were PAH losses due to volatilization and reactivity.