Characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions in the particulate phase from burning incenses with various atomic hydrogen/carbon ratios

► The atomic H/C ratio of incense was the key factor affecting PAHs emission factors. ► Burning incense with lower atomic H/C ratio minimized the production of total PAHs. ► The BaP, BaA, BbF, and DBA accounted for 87.08-93.47% of the TEQ emission factor. ► Special PAH ratios were regarded as characteristic ratios for burning incense.