Reduction of benzo(a)pyrene load

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) result from incomplete combustion of organic material and fossil fuels. The exposure to PAH in the air is assessed on the basis of the concentration of benzo(a)pyrene in fine dust as a lead substance. The main source in Austria is wood heating in households, especially individual ovens that can be operated manually. The Federal Environment Agency experts have calculated detailed benzo(a)pyrene emissions. On this basis, the Office of the Styrian Provincial Government has drawn up a debit card for Styria by means of propagation calculations. The results show a high variability of the load as well as numerous exceedances, especially in smaller municipalities. For three model regions, packages of measures have been defined to reduce the burden.