Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in smokehouses.

The level of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from smoking kilns in Danish smokehouses was determined. Of 60 smokehouses curing fish with hot smoke from smoldering alder chips, 10 companies were selected for the analysis of workzone air. The amount of PAH, determined as the sum of 11 selected compounds, varied from 2.2 micrograms/m3 to 2,472 micrograms/m3 above the kiln doors. Samples taken approximately 2 m in front of the kiln doors contained 0-19.2 micrograms/m3.