PAH: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

PAHs were the first chemical carcinogens to be discovered. These are formed during the combustion of organic material, including tobacco combustion.

Burning wood has a higher mutagenic and carcinogenic potential than exhaust fumes from traffic. This is because the content of PAHs in wood smoke is particularly high compared to other sources and therefore also contributes significantly to air pollution, studies show.

“It is still not generally known that wood smoke – whether visible or invisible – is toxic.”

R. Booth. Why we need transparency in the wood burning industry, Air Quality News, November 24, 20 Doctors+Scientists

In many countries around the world, including Europe, residential wood burning and heating is the largest source of PAH emissions.

As examples: Proportion of PAH emissions from burning and heating with wood.

• In Denmark more than 90% of PAHs 
• In Canada more than 92% of PAHs
• In Germany more than 62% of PAHs

Studies show: In households that burn or heat with wood, the content of various harmful PAHs is 3 to 5 times higher than in households that do not use wood. 

There is also a four times higher risk of PAH cancer when wood is used.

In addition to cancer, PAHs are generally associated with other health problems:

• Skin cancer
• Promotion of skin ageing
• DNA damage