Origin, effect and health relevance – focus on laser printer emissions
Aerosols – definition and origin in the air we breathe
Aerosols: complex mixtures of solid and/or liquid particles, finely dispersed in a gas – typically air
Formation in the ambient air – indoors and outdoors: both through natural processes (e.g. volcanic eruptions, pollen count, sea spray) and human activities such as industry, transport, laser printing, 3D printing and household processes.
Organic aerosols: primary and secondary
Organic aerosols from carbon-containing compounds are categorised according to how they are formed:
- Primary organic aerosols (POA): released directly into the atmosphere, e.g. by wood fires, combustion engines or industrial processes.
- Secondary organic aerosols (SOA): formed by chemical reactions of gaseous precursors, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in the atmosphere.
