polycyclic

“Samples from nearly a dozen beaches along the L.A. County coastline were tested for metals — polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons — which are chemicals that may be found in runoff after wildfires,” the county Department of Beaches and Harbors said in a news release.

Both areas were tested for metals, nutrients, polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are all chemicals that may be found in water runoff based on previous California wildfires, officials said.

The organization also sampled 25 different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organic compounds that form when oil, wood or garbage burns.

In homes we were able to test, my colleagues found elevated levels of metals and PAHs – polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – in the ash.

The process produces hazardous waste and releases carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are toxic at very low concentrations.