aerosolrelated

Aerosol-related refers to phenomena, materials, and processes involving aerosols—suspensions of solid or liquid particles in a gas. Atmospheric aerosols typically range from nanometers to micrometers in diameter; PM2.5 and PM10 are common size-based descriptors used in air quality contexts.

Aerosols originate from natural sources such as dust, sea spray, pollen, and volcanic ash, as well as human activities including fossil fuel combustion, industry, biomass burning, and secondary formation from gaseous precursors.

Measurement and characterization employ optical and sampling methods. Instruments include optical particle counters, nephelometers, mass spectrometers, and filter-based gravimetry, complemented by satellite and ground-based remote sensing to assess burden and distribution.

Health and environmental effects are closely linked to aerosol exposure. Fine and ultrafine particles are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular disease, reduced visibility, and various environmental impacts, with PM2.5 being a common regulatory focus.

Climate interactions arise from scattering and absorbing sunlight and from serving as cloud condensation nuclei, affecting radiative forcing and precipitation. The overall effect depends on composition, size, mixing state, and altitude, and remains uncertain in some environments.

Policy and research areas include air quality standards, emission controls, and modeling improvements. Ongoing work seeks better source apportionment, real-time exposure assessment, and understanding aerosol aging, chemistry, and interactions with climate and weather systems.