Abstract
This chapter discusses the health effects of sulfates. In an atmosphere containing sulfates formed from combustion sources, nitrate aerosols will also be present together with trace metal particles and polycyclic organic matter. It is observed that as of the number of substances present, it is difficult to estimate the effects of sulfates from exposure to ambient air. Experiments using sulfate aerosols alone do not allow for the possible additive or even synergistic effects of other pollutants. Prior to or during inhalation, SO 2 may be oxidized to sulfuric acid that can react with the ammonia present in the surrounding air or in the breath. Sulfuric acid aerosol produces an increase in pulmonary flow resistance with the irritant effect increasing as particle size decreases. The greatest effect is seen with submicron particles in the accumulation size range, the most common size range for sulfates found in the ambient air. Particles in this size range penetrate to the lung and produce a rapidly occurring response similar to that seen from exposure to irritant gases such as SO 2 . Alterations produced by sulfuric acid are not rapidly reversible as is the case with the effects of irritant gases.
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