title: Aerosols and environmental pollution.
abstract: The number of publications on atmospheric aerosols has dramatically increased in recent years. This review, predominantly from a European perspective, summarizes the current state of knowledge of the role played by aerosols in environmental pollution and, in addition, highlights gaps in our current knowledge. Aerosol particles are ubiquitous in the Earth's atmosphere and are central to many environmental issues; ranging from the Earth's radiative budget to human health. Aerosol size distribution and chemical composition are crucial parameters that determine their dynamics in the atmosphere. Sources of aerosols are both anthropogenic and natural ranging from vehicular emissions to dust resuspension. Ambient concentrations of aerosols are elevated in urban areas with lower values at rural sites. A comprehensive understanding of aerosol ambient characteristics requires a combination of measurements and modeling tools. Legislation for ambient aerosols has been introduced at national and international levels aiming to protect human health and the environment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, Essex, UK. colbi@essex.ac.uk
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Colbeck
authors.forename: Mihalis
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lazaridis
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D005060:Europe; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D011834:Radiation Monitoring
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D004391:Dust