What are PAH?
PAH — polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons — are a group of over 100 chemical compounds produced by the incomplete combustion of organic material. In buildings they originate primarily from tar-containing products: coal tar was used until the 1970s as an adhesive, coating and impregnation.
The best-known reference substance is benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), classified by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) as a Group 1 carcinogen — i.e. definitely carcinogenic to humans. In total, 16 PAH compounds are examined as reference substances (EPA 16).
Where are PAH found in Austrian buildings?
In buildings constructed before 1980, tar-containing products may have been installed in many locations. The most common:
- Black parquet adhesive: The classic case — tar-containing adhesives under strip parquet, mosaic parquet and wood block flooring. More than half of black parquet adhesives in older buildings contain high PAH concentrations
- Roofing membranes and tar paper: Bitumen and tar membranes on flat roofs, under roof tiles and as waterproofing in basement areas
- Bitumen coatings: Black coatings on foundations, basement walls and pipes as moisture barriers
- Tar cork: Cork panels with tar binder as impact sound insulation under parquet floors
- Tar paper under floor coverings: Black card layer as a vapour barrier between screed and floor covering
- Wood impregnation products (Carbolineum): Creosote-based wood preservatives on roof structures, fences and exterior building elements
The notorious black parquet adhesive
When sanding parquet or carrying out renovation work reveals a black, viscous adhesive layer, it is highly likely to be a tar-containing parquet adhesive with high PAH content. This adhesive was used throughout Austria until approximately 1970.
The risk: sanding, scraping or heating releases PAH-containing dusts and vapours. PAH are taken up both through the skin and via the respiratory tract. Therefore: test before any treatment — the result first, then the remediation strategy.
Health risk and legal framework
Several PAH compounds are demonstrably carcinogenic. Benzo[a]pyrene is classified as an IARC Group 1 carcinogen. The health risks in summary:
- Cancer risk: PAH can cause skin, lung and bladder cancer — both through inhalation and through skin contact
- Routes of uptake: Inhalation of dust and vapours (especially when working the material), dermal uptake through direct skin contact
- Long-term effects: PAH accumulate in the body and cause harm even at low, repeated exposures
The legal framework in Austria:
- The REACH Regulation (EU) restricts PAH in consumer products — benzo[a]pyrene must not exceed 1 mg/kg
- For the disposal of tar-containing building materials, LAGA classification criteria apply: above certain PAH concentrations, disposal as hazardous waste is required
- Tar-containing materials must be identified and professionally disposed of before renovation and demolition
How we test for PAH
PAH cannot be reliably identified with the naked eye — black colour alone is not proof. Our process:
1. Site inspection and sampling
We come in person and identify suspect materials based on building age, installation context and visual characteristics. A first rapid test with a UV lamp shows whether tar-containing materials are present (PAH typically fluoresce yellow-green under blacklight). Material samples are taken professionally.
2. Laboratory analysis by GC-MS
Samples are analysed in the laboratory by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the 16 EPA PAH reference substances. This determines the individual PAH compounds qualitatively and quantitatively — including benzo[a]pyrene as the most important reference substance.
3. Report and recommendation
You receive a clear report with the analysis results, an assessment to LAGA criteria and concrete action recommendations: leave in place, professionally cover over or remove — with guidance on correct disposal.
Costs
Every PAH measurement is different. Sample type (parquet adhesive, roofing membrane, basement coating), the required analysis spectrum and the sample count vary significantly. We prepare a transparent quote after the free initial consultation — no obligation.
The site inspection flat fee is €290 (flat, regardless of scope). The video initial consultation is free.
In the free initial consultation we clarify how many samples make sense, so you have clarity on costs in advance.
Frequently asked questions about PAH analysis
The black adhesive under old parquet is in most cases a tar-containing parquet adhesive used until the 1970s. It frequently contains high concentrations of PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), including the carcinogenic benzo[a]pyrene. A PAH analysis must be carried out before sanding or removing this material.
PAH analyses are too situational for a fixed price list — costs depend heavily on sample type (parquet adhesive, roofing membrane, coating), analysis spectrum and sample count. In the free initial consultation we look at your specific situation and prepare a transparent quote. The site inspection flat fee is €290 — flat, regardless of scope.
PAH are a group of over 100 compounds, several of which are classified as carcinogenic. Benzo[a]pyrene is regarded as the key reference substance and is classified by the IARC as a Group 1 carcinogen (definitely carcinogenic to humans). Uptake occurs through skin contact and inhalation of dust and vapours — particularly when working with tar-containing materials.
A UV lamp (blacklight) can provide an initial indication: tar-containing materials typically fluoresce yellow-green under UV light. However, this is only a rapid test and not proof. For a legally defensible assessment and accurate concentration determination, laboratory analysis by GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) is required.
What does PAH remediation cost?
Typical remediation costs (indicative figures)
- Remove PAH parquet adhesive€2,000–€8,000
- Dispose of PAH-containing roofing membranes€1,500–€5,000
- Tar coatings in basement€1,000–€4,000
A PAH analysis gives you clarity — before you get an unpleasant surprise during floor laying. We prepare a transparent quote after a brief initial consultation.
After remediation we offer a clearance measurement: indoor air measurement to document that no PAH contamination is detectable any longer. More on renovation monitoring →