Determination and possible public health impact of transition metal sulfite aerosol species. Topical report

The study attempts to gather necessary preliminary analytic information on sulfite, one species of particulate sulfur oxide. Data suggest that adverse health effects observed in Utah through epidemiologic studies which are attributed to suspended sulfates might, if proven valid, be partially attributable to atmospheric sulfite complexes in addition to or rather than sulfate. Yet another significant implication of the proposed adverse health impact of aerosol sulfite species is in the area of pollutant abatement strategy. Available data suggest that the level of S(IV) species in particulates is controlled by the level of transition metals capable of complexing with SO3(2-) (principally Fe) and not by the ambient SO2 level. Given this fact proper future control strategies could very well primarily involve control of a broad spectrum of particulate emissions, rather than SO2 removal alone. (GRA)