Any environmental professional that has had to deal with organic contamination has run across the phrase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). This is a group of carbon compounds that are known to cause cancer and other health problems. Whenever a carbon fuel source is combusted, there may be PAHs formed and the EPA needs to have them monitored. For example, there were tons of samples collected after the 9-11 disaster because of the burned jet fuel. There are tons of samples being collected around the gulf right now as crude oil and natural gas is being burned.

A PAH has a molecular structure that is often described as a chicken-wire shape because of the hexagonal composition of the carbon atoms. Other atoms are then attached to the structure to form a multitude of potential compounds.

NASA noticed some years ago that there was a reddish glow coming from certain star formations. As they researched the origin of the glow, they discovered it was generated by carbon compounds. In particular, they found that PAHs were the most prevalent molecules. NASA is known for its ability to provide top-notch scientific research results. In this case, they wanted the details and began to study how many potential or theoretical structures might exist and how can they measure them.

The research team currently has noted 700 PAH compounds. They have developed spectral data to identify each of them. While most of them do not exist on the Earth, having the ability to read their spectral signature could have great significance to health and environmental work here at home. NASA has posted all of the data online and available to anyone that is interested. Officials said they would continue to add more tools and data over time.

The database is fully searchable and should be a great tool. The database is available at www.astrochem.org/pahdb. More information about the database and graphics are available at www.astrochem.org/pahdb/pressrelease.