It has long been known that soot particles from wood fires, diesel exhaust, and coal-driven power stations are harmful for both the body and the environment, but we have never had conclusive evidence as to how much of these particles we are intaking. That is, until now. A recent study shows that more than half of these particles remain in the body once inhaled. The study, based on Diesel Exhaust, are “extremely useful both for researchers to determine what doses of soot we get into our lungs out of the amount we are exposed to, and to enable public authorities to establish well-founded limits for soot particles in outdoor air,” according to Jenny Rissler, a researcher in aerosol technology at Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. There are currently no limits on soot particles in the air, however, soot in the air has been linked to “lung cancer and other diseases.” As well, soot particles contribute to warming the atmosphere as they absorb light.
Steven Angueira
AP Environmental Science
Topic #7: Air Pollutants
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120627092016.htm
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