Aerosols
Aerosols
Aerosols (/ˈɛərəsɔːlz/; from the Greek aeros meaning "air" and sol meaning "solution") are a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. Aerosols can be natural or artificial. Examples of natural aerosols are fog, forest exudates and geyser steam. Examples of artificial aerosols are haze, dust, particulate air pollutants and smoke.
Etymology
The term "aerosol" is derived from the Greek words aeros (air) and sol (solution). It was first used in the early 20th century to describe a new method of dispensing liquid medication in a mist form that could be inhaled into the lungs.
Types of Aerosols
Aerosols can be classified into two main types: Natural Aerosols and Artificial Aerosols.
- Natural Aerosols are those that occur naturally in the environment. They include fog, dust, forest exudates, and geyser steam.
- Artificial Aerosols are those that are man-made. They include particulate air pollutants, smoke, and certain types of haze.
Health Effects
Exposure to aerosols can have various health effects, depending on the type and concentration of the particles. Some aerosols, such as those containing pathogenic microorganisms or toxic chemicals, can cause diseases or other health problems when inhaled.
Related Terms
- Particulate Matter - A term for the mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.
- Air Pollution - The presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to materials.
- Inhalation - The process of breathing in. When we inhale, we take in air and any particles or aerosols that are present in it.
- Respiratory System - The organs that allow us to breathe. The respiratory system is the main route of entry for aerosols into the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aerosols
- Wikipedia's article - Aerosols
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