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24Determination of heavy metals in particulate matterSources of particulate matter: industry, burning of wood and fossil fuels, volcanic eruptions, sea spray, desert dust and erosion.When we breathe in, numerous airborne particles enter ourbody; depending on their size, they may become lodgedin the respiratory tract or further on in the gas exchangezone, the pulmonary alveoli.Secondary particulate matter is formed in the atmosphere bychemical reactions involving either waste gases from combustionprocesses or substances with an agricultural origin (SO x, NO x, NH 3,volatile organic compounds).Sources of particulate matterPrimary particulate matter comes from different sources. Someof the air pollution by particulate matter is of anthropogenic originand is caused both by the burning of wood and fossil fuels and byabrasion and swirling. In addition, natural sources such as volcaniceruptions, sea spray, desert dust and erosion also contribute to particulatematter pollution.Application report