Handbook 2001: Fundamentals. Chapter 12 - Air contaminants. (13 of 39)

Publication Year

2001

Document Status

Withdrawn

Abstract

Normal outdoor air contains varying amounts of foreign materials (permanent atmospheric impurities). These materials can arise from natural processes such as wind erosion, sea spray evaporation, volcanic eruption, and metabolism or decay of organic matter. The natural contaminant concentrations in the air that we breathe vary but are usually lower than those caused by human activity. Man made outdoor contaminants are many and varied, originating from numerous types of human activity. Electric power generating plants, various modes of transportation, industrial processes, mining and smelting, construction, and agriculture generate large amounts of contaminants. Contaminants that present particular problems in the indoor environment include, among others, tobacco smoke, radon, and formaldehyde.

Document History

This document is part of a larger document, Handbook 2001: Fundamentals, which has been split into parts for ease of use.

ISBN

9781883413880

Publisher Information