**1. Introduction**

414 Atmospheric Aerosols – Regional Characteristics – Chemistry and Physics

AAAR 30th Annual Conference, 2010

108, 1954

159, 40th Annual Report of the National Advisory, U.S. G.P.O. Washington, D.C. pp. 85-

[3] Kulkarni G. and Twohy, C.: Computational fluid dynamics studies to understand ice crystal and liquid droplet breakup within an airborne counterflow virtual impactor,

> The general public is well aware of harmful effects of solid contaminants in the atmosphere. The harmful effects depend on both the size and composition and origin of the particles. Solid particles greater than 100 micrometers remain in the air only very shortly and settle as dust. Smaller particles remain in the air substantially longer and may be transported through space. Particles smaller than 5 micrometers demonstrate aerosol properties and remain suspended in the air.

> The inhalation of aerosols made of micro- and nanoparticles results in their deposition in the human respiratory system. It is expected that, depending on their diameter, surface, chemical composition of the surface etc., they are subsequently transported to other terminal organs.

> There are many epidemiological studies that have identified the negative effects of these particles on respiratory and cardiovascular systems in sensitive members of the population [1]. A particularly serious effect on the cardiovascular system has been identified for inhaled ultrafine (nano) particles.

> The main sources of dust, micro and nanoparticles that exceed natural background levels are anthropogenic activities, e.g. heavy industry, operations that involve metalworking and woodworking, milling, grinding, general dusty operations, etc. [2]. This has also been one of the main reasons for our measurements. The first part of the chapter presents the results of pilot and orientation measurements of means of transport in Prague, of an office building in the center of Prague, the influence of a Diesel engine type on the quantity of nanoparticles released into the atmosphere, and particles released during fire, welding, the burning of entertainment pyrotechnics, and the shooting of police weapons.

> The second part of the chapter presents the results of systematic and long-term measurements of the quantities and distribution of nanoparticles at the platform of the

busiest subway station in Prague, in a cabinet-maker workshop during processing of exotic woods, and in steelworks processing raw iron using the converter method.

Experiences with Anthropogenic Aerosol Spread in the Environment 417

The measurements of nanoparticles were conducted at simulated fires with various

a. 3 straw mattresses, feather blanket, bed sheets, electric cable ca. 2 m, polystyrene ca. 1

b. 2 tires, polystyrene ca. 1 m2, rubber hoses ca. 2 m, spent engine oil 10 l, Diesel oil 5 l,

The measuring technology for experiment V was situated 5 m from the fire edge. The

Measurements of nanoparticles were performed for a Diesel engine and for a modern,

a. The measured engine type was a Z 7701 Zetor Brno, 1600 rev., stroke volume 3922 cm3, used in old tractor technology, mining engines, etc. The engine was put into operation in a testing room for combustion engines in DIMO Kamenná (Figure 1) and the measurements were performed at the outlet in front of the building. The distance of the

b. The measured engine type was a part of a FORD –TRANSIT type FDG6 with the engine type PGFA, stroke volume 2198 cm3, year of manufacture 2009. The measurements were performed with the engine running in neutral gear. The measuring device was situated

The measurements of nanoparticles were conducted at a simulated fireworks event that used various entertainment pyrotechnics available (mega cracker, fire hornet, sparklers, Bengal light, mega California, fire fountains, etc.) on a free area (street, square, etc.). The measuring technology was situated 12 m from the area where the entertainment

The measurements of nanoparticles were conducted in a non-ventilated maintenance workshop (ca. 70 m3). The welded product was a steel T-section 25 x 350 mm, welded with electrodes E-B 121, E 7018, SF 026126. The measuring device was situated 2.5 m from the

After the welding was completed (ca. 5 min.) the workshop was left without any activities,

*2.1.5. Type experiment V – Simulated fires* 

Compositions of the burning pile were:

penetration paint 5 l, wood edgings.

*2.1.6. Type experiment VI – Diesel engines* 

environment-friendly Diesel engine.

pyrotechnics was gradually ignited.

welding location.

compositions of burning components in an open area.

aerosol samples were taken 0.5 m above ground level.

measuring device from the outlet was 3 m.

3 m and subsequently 7 m from the exhaust pipe.

*2.1.7. Type experiment VII – Entertainment pyrotechnics* 

*2.1.8. Type experiment VIII – Welding in a workshop* 

then the coagulation and sedimentation of particles was measured.

m2 , dry wood from pruning natural seeding greenery;

Nonetheless, the results of the above-mentioned experiments should be viewed as results obtained at a particular time and place. The conclusions may be associated only with the specific situation. It is nearly impossible to obtain reproducible results, which is one of the main obstacles to the standardization of nanoparticle quantity in connection with their impact on human health (toxicity) and the environment.
