Glossary

This glossary provides definitions of common terms used in the context of air pollution.

You can navigate quickly to a term using the alphabetic links below; clicking on the terms will show their definition.

Glossary 



0-9

A

B

  • BAM (Beta Attenuation Mass Monitor)
  • Benzene (C6H6)
  • Black Smoke
    Black Smoke consists of fine particulate matter. These particles can be hazardous to health especially in combination with other pollutants which can adhere to the particulate surfaces. Black Smoke is emitted mainly from fuel combustion. Following the large reductions in domestic coal use, the main source is diesel-engined vehicles. Black smoke is measured by its blackening effect on filters. It has been measured for many years in the UK. Now interest is moving to the mass of small particles regardless of this blackening effect.

C

D

E

F

G

H

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

V

Z