What are PAHs?
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), are a group of compounds formed from incomplete combustion that are normally present in varying concentrations in urban environments. They are released into the atmosphere every time we run our vehicles, light a fire to heat our homes, or smoke a cigarette. You also find them on burnt toast or charred meat. Theyre pretty much everywhere in our environment. PAHs are present in minute quantities (parts per billion) in Intervale Compost Products. The reason that PAHs are showing up in our products is that a large part of the mix of ingredients in our compost is leaves and yard waste. PAHs are readily absorbed into leaves during their lifespan. PAHs break down much more slowly than other materials that make up our compost, which can result in concentrations that may be equal to or slightly higher than normal background levels found in soil in the greater Burlington area. While dangerous if exposure occurs at high concentrations over very long period
