Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Overview

Pollutants released into the atmosphere as particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — including the known carcinogens of benzene and toluene — from a variety of sources such as vehicle emissions, petrochemical products, and tobacco smoke. Of particular concern are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are not easily broken down, and can, therefore, travel great distances, as well as accumulate in living organisms.