Which chemical components are listed as comprising the complex 'chemical soup' of Particulate Matter?
Answer
Sulfates, nitrates, organic carbon, elemental carbon, and heavy metals
Particulate matter is heterogeneous, meaning it is not a single substance but rather a complex mixture whose chemical makeup influences its toxicity upon deposition in the body. This mixture is described as a chemical soup composed of several distinct classes of compounds. These include inorganic ions such as sulfates and nitrates, various forms of carbon including organic carbon and elemental carbon, and toxic elements categorized as heavy metals. The identification of these specific components is vital because their relative proportions dictate the overall toxicological impact of the inhaled pollution load.
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