Abstract |
The document summarizes the literature on airborne particles related to effects on man and his environment for consideration of the Environmental Protection Agency in updating the information in the Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter. Specific particles such as lead, arsenic, or asbestos are not discussed. These substances have been the subject of other NAS publications. Nor are living particles considered. The emphasis of the report is on particles that result from man's activities. The origins, behavior, and fate of such particles, their physical and chemical characteristics, their interactions, transport, and removal from the ambient air are discussed in chapters 2 through 5. Routine and special monitoring trends are reviewed in chapter 6. In chapters 7 and 8 there is a detailed discussion of the deposition, clearance, and retention of particles, their effects on man and on other animals. Chapter 9 is devoted to the available epidemiologic evidence from which conclusions can be drawn about the effects of particulate pollution on man. It indicates the gaps in our knowledge about exposure/response relationships and suggests studies that should be conducted to remedy these deficiencies. Chapters 10 and 11 consider the effects of particulate matter on vegetation and materials. Summaries, conclusions and recommendations are consolidated in Chapter 12. (Portions of this document are not fully legible) |