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API and Air Monitoring Background Information

Air Pollution Index Background Information

Respirable Suspended Particulates RSP are the proportion of total suspended particulates of a size smaller than 10 micrometres and they have the ability to penetrate deeply into the lungs. Depending on their source and the existing meteorological conditions, RSP can be made up of a number of different constituents. Particulates constituents There are a number of chemicals that may form part of RSP. Two important constituents are lead and aromatic hydrocarbons. A number of constituents of RSP and their sources are given in the table below. Chemical constituent Source Silicon, aluminum, calcium, manganese and iron Soil/crystal and construction activities Vanadium and nickel Oil fired combustion Cadmium and hydrocarbons Incineration Carbon, lead, bromine and hydrocarbons Vehicle emissions Sodium, chloride, magnesium, and potassium Marine aerosols Nitrate, sulphate and ammonium Secondary pollutant formation Other chemicals that may be found in particulates matter that are tested for by the EPD are barium, copper, beryllium, mercury, chromium, arsenic and fluoride. To see what RSP consist of, please click the following icon. Composition of RSP

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