The increased awareness of the deleterious effects of polynuclear aromatic (PNA) compounds emphasizes the need for instruments that are capable of monitoring these compounds and also are suitable for use in health protection programs. Second-derivative UV-absorption spectrometry with least-squares spectral analysis shows promise as a method for analyzing vapor phase PNA's, as well as solutions containing these compounds. Detection limits of a few parts per billion are attainable for many PNA compounds. Examples are given showing the analytical capabilities of this procedure.
