Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (REMPI/TOFMS) has been employed for detection limit measurements of dibenzodioxin, dibenzofuran, 2,8-dichloro-dibenzodioxin, biphenyl, anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene. REMPI/TOFMS detection limit data are currently available for 28 molecules. Nineteen of these, with detection limits at or below the part-per-billion level, are recommended for use as surrogates for continuous real-time monitoring of hazardous emissions from incinerators. The excellent spectral selectivity of the REMPI/TOFMS technique, exhibited by single ring phenyl compounds, may be substantially reduced for many of the higher aromatics. Additional studies are needed of the one-and two-color spectral signatures for resonance two-photon ionization of PCBs and chlorinated polycyclic aromatics.