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Abstract
The PAH concentrations determined on 650 samples of airborne particulates collected from four locations in the Athens area have been studied for two years starting in February 1984. The sampling sites covered both the center and the industrial area of the city. Higher values of PAH were found at the site located in the center of the city than at sites located in the industrial areas. The height of the sampling place has a negative effect on PAH concentrations. The mean yearly concentration values of benzo(a)pyrene varied between 1.8 and 4.0 ng m−3 for the various sites and can be characterised as median levels. Higher PAH concentrations were found during winter months, while on Sundays the levels of PAH were lower. PAH concentrations increased during days with temperature inversions and when light winds from the Southwest direction prevailed. The main source of PAH in Athens seemed to be fuel burning either for central heating or industrial use in winter and for diesel powered vehicles in summer.