PAH Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbon. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are associated with genetic damage and disease. In addition, the compounds remain in the environment, causing more problems over time. PAHs are toxic to aquatic organisms. In addition to toxicity, these compounds are often mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic. The prenatal effects of these chemicals are associated with decreased IQ and asthma in children |