Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dust in regions of massive star formation

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known on earth as a large family of tarry materials naturally present in for example coal and crude oil. In addition, they are also formed in the combustion of all sorts of carbonaceous fuels and hence are found in auto exhaust, cigarette smoke, candle soot and (for the less qualified cooks) in burned hamburgers. PAHs are regularly placed under the media spotlight for the persistent detrimental effect of their carcinogenic properties on the environment, due to their long-term stability. .... Zie: Chapter 1