Air Pollution, Aerosols and Clouds in the Climate System

One more reason to study aerosols. See an interesting article on Doctor's Lounge. Air Pollution Raises Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Study --Doctors Lounge

Indoor or outdoor air may contain thousands or even millions of microorganisms and biological particles in just one cubic meter of air. These airborne particles are collectively referred to as bioaerosols. Examples of bioaerosols include viruses, bacteria, fungi, pollen, fragmented particles from microbial cells or insects, and by-products of living organisms (e.g. animal dander, insect excrement). The size of these particles generally varies between a fraction of a micrometer (µm) to approximately 30 µm. Bioaerosols may originate from numerous natural or man-made sources such as agriculture (harvesting, storage, composting etc) and industrial activities (manufacturing, food processing etc), indoor surfaces (ceiling, wall, carpets, house plants) and water treatment plants etc. Particle size is an important factor in determining risks associated with microbial contamination. In general, particles > 20 µm (fungi, algae, pollen etc) affect Region 1, Particles Modern airborne sampling o...

Atmospheric aerosols or particulate matter (PM) are one of the most important components of the earth-atmosphere system and play important role in climate and weather related processes. Apart from climate, aerosols also have an impact on entire living biota on planet earth. Impact of air pollution on human health is of most concern in current time. Air pollution has both short-term and long-term effects. Short terms impacts includes, respiratory infections, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Short-term air pollution can intensify the medical conditions of individuals with asthma and emphysema. In 1952 London experienced one of the worst smog disasters, which killed more than four thousand people in few days due to very high concentration of particulate matter in the air. Long-term effects incl ude lung cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. Continual contact to air po...