Analytical Methods for Spatial Distribution of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Hazardous air pollutants such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), benzene, formaldehyde have been concerned about the adverse health effect of long-term exposure. Contour map is useful for finding high-concentration region, emission source, and distributions of HAPs in the ambient air. To make a contour map, we have developed simple analytical method for selected HAPs; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as BaP, benzene and its derivatives such as toluene and xylene, and aldehydes and ketones. We have applied these methods to investigate air pollution by HAPs in some cities in Japan. The results show that these methods reveal actual emission sources if the PRTR emission report was not submitted.