Surface contamination with PASH, PAH and PCDD/F after fire accidents in private residences

Surface samples were taken from two private residences after real fire accidents. The goal was, to determine the surface contaminations with polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASH), as representatives of a substance class, not investigated in this context, by now, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F). Analytical method for the determination of PASH was developed for the respective matrix. Concentrations measured ranged between 1.70 and 465 micrograms/m2 for PASH, 34.3 and 58,800 micrograms/m2 for PAH (EPA), and 4.15 and 1,300 ng/m2 for PCDD/F, as well. Obviously, PASH were formed during the fire accidents. Nevertheless, PAH were the most relevant pollutants after these small fires.