Many organic contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are released during the production of carbon and graphite electrodes. We studied the concentration and mass streams of 16 PAHs released into the air via flue gases during the processes involved in the storage, handling, calcination and mixing of raw materials, as well as the forming, baking, impregnation and graphitising of electrodes. Individual emission sources and production cycles differ significantly in PAH emission profiles. The biggest single source of PAH emissions is the baking of carbon electrodes, pressing of the solid raw materials and pitch, and storage or handling of liquid raw materials.