Soot
Soot
Soot (/suːt/) is a black, powdery or flaky substance consisting largely of amorphous carbon, produced by the incomplete burning of organic matter.
Etymology
The word "soot" comes from the Old English sot, which means "swept", "cleared out".
Definition
Soot is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It is an aerosol, which means it is a suspension of fine particles in the air or a gas. Soot can consist of acids, chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. The common trait of soot particles is that they are extremely tiny – 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter.
Health Effects
Exposure to soot can have a significant impact on human health. When inhaled, soot can cause respiratory problems, coronary heart disease, and even lung cancer. Lung cancer is a serious condition that can be fatal if not detected and treated early.
Related Terms
- Combustion: The process of burning something.
- Hydrocarbons: Compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
- Aerosol: A suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas.
- Respiratory system: The organs that allow us to breathe.
- Coronary heart disease: A disease in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries.
- Lung cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the lungs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Soot
- Wikipedia's article - Soot
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