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Biological, chemical, and physical effects of airborne metals are a direct function of particle size, concentration, and composition. The major parameter governing the signifi cance of natural and anthropogenic emissions of environ mentally important metals is particle size. Metals associated with fine particulates are of concern; particles larger than about 3-μm aerodynamic equivalent diameter are minimally respirable, are ineffective in atmospheric interactions, and have a short air residence time. Seventeen environmentally important metals are identified: arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, magnesium, manganese, nickel, lead, antimony, selenium, tin, vanadium, and zinc. This report reviews the major sources of these metals with emphasis on fine particulate emissions.

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