fumurile

Fumurile, literally “the fumes” in Romanian, refer to gaseous and particulate emissions produced by burning or heating materials, or by other chemical processes. They comprise a broad mixture of substances, including gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx); volatile organic compounds (VOCs); sulfur compounds; and fine solid particles. In some technical contexts, fume denotes aerosols formed when a solid is vaporized by heat and then condenses into small particles (for example, welding fume), whereas smoke is typically associated with aerosols from incomplete combustion.

Common sources include motor vehicle exhaust, industrial processes (notably metal welding and smelting), power plants, domestic heating, wildfires, and tobacco smoke. The exact composition depends on the source and combustion conditions; some fumes contain carcinogenic or toxic components such as PAHs, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).

Health and environmental effects: exposure to fumurile can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and cause headaches and dizziness; long-term exposure is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and elevated cancer risk, particularly for components like PAHs and certain metals. They also contribute to ambient air pollution and climate-altering emissions.

Control and regulation: monitoring of fumurile is part of air-quality management and occupational hygiene. Standards set by the WHO and national bodies, along with occupational exposure limits, guide permissible concentrations. Mitigation measures include improved ventilation, filtration, substitution with cleaner fuels, and emission-control technologies.

Etymology: the term derives from the Romanian word fum meaning smoke; fumurile is the definite plural form. See also air pollution, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter.