What the Heck are Aromatic Hydrocarbons?

I know, a mouthful. Such a long word must have absolutely no relevance to your life, right? WRONG. Aromatic Hydrocarbons are exactly what it might sound like: a hydrocarbon is a compound of hydrogen and  carbon. Aromatic means many of the compounds have a sweet scent. Hydrocarbons form in a configuration called the 'Benzene Ring." WAIT. I know this might sound boring, but hear me out. A Benzene Ring is a hexagonal doughnut-shaped organic chemical compound which allows multiple organic compounds to bond together.. Aromatic hydrocarbons are in everything from paint thinners to cigarette smoke and have known to be carcinogenic, an agent that causes cancer. Now I have your attention, right?