title: Toxic air pollutants--assessing their importance.
abstract: Toxic air pollutants (TAP) are a major concern for air pollution scientists, yet our state of knowledge concerning these contaminants is not comprehensive. The paper that follows contains a critical analysis of various aspects of TAP such as regulatory controls, sources, atmospheric concentrations and health impacts. Throughout the discussion specific examples are used to illustrate particular points, and while a large body of information is referenced, the literature review is not meant to be exhaustive. Toxic air pollutants present a challenge to the air pollution scientist; the true significance of these environmental contaminants on human health has not yet been quantified, although certain studies appear to indicate that they may have important impacts on respiratory health.
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols; D000388:Air / Q000032:analysis; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control; D000818:Animals; D002104:Cadmium / Q000633:toxicity; D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000139:chemically induced; D001335:Vehicle Emissions
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D000393:Air Pollutants; D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D001335:Vehicle Emissions; D002104:Cadmium